Mumbai’s cultural heartbeat came alive as the 79th North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja unfolded in all its grandeur at SNDT, Juhu, from 28th September (Shoshti) to 2nd October (Dashami) 2025. Blending timeless tradition with a dash of Bollywood glamour, the Puja welcomed over 2 lakh devotees every single day, reaffirming its place as not only Mumbai’s oldest but also one of the largest Durga Puja celebrations in the world.
This year’s festivities turned into a dazzling convergence of faith, festivity, and heritage, with the cultural spirit of Bengal echoing in the city’s cosmopolitan vibe. Adding to the star-studded sheen, the celebrations were graced by film personalities and cultural icons including Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Tanisha Mukerji, Ayan Mukerji, Reema Lahiri, Swastik Bansal (Rego B), Govind Bansal, Sumona Chakravarti, Samrat Mukherjee, Mayank Chakraborty, and Ashish Shelar. Their presence highlighted how the Pujo continues to be a cherished meeting ground of devotion and celebrity sparkle.
This year, the Puja pandal will recreate the majestic aura of the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the world’s most revered shrines of Lord Shiva, symbolizing power, purity, and eternal faith. With intricate artistry and divine design, the pandal will transport devotees into a spiritually immersive experience.
Renowned artisans from Kolkata have been specially commissioned to create the Maa Durga Protima. In keeping with tradition, the idol will retain the authentic swaroop of Maa Durga, radiating divinity as it has for generations. In a unique tradition of North Bombay Puja, the Protima is forklifted into the pandal, marking the grandeur of the festivities.
North Bombay Puja is the only Durga Puja in the world where bhog is served in a fully air-conditioned hall. Structured, organized, and deeply spiritual, the bhog includes traditional delicacies like khichuri, chholar dal, and Bengali sweets, making it an unparalleled experience of devotion and togetherness.
Each day of Navratri at the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja celebrates a divine facet of Maa Durga, weaving a journey of devotion and spiritual awakening:
- Shailaputri – strength and harmony with nature
- Brahmacharini – wisdom and penance
- Chandraghanta – bravery with grace
- Kushmanda – cosmic energy and creation
- Skandamata – nurturing motherly love
- Katyayani – courage and warrior spirit
- Kaalratri – protection from fear and darkness
- Mahagauri – purity and serenity
- Siddhidatri – blessings and spiritual powers
Together, these nine forms of the Goddess represent a soulful journey of faith, culminating in the timeless triumph of good over evil.
The Mukherjee family, with its illustrious legacy, has been the backbone of North Bombay Puja since its inception. This year holds special emotion as Rono Mukherjee, Debu Mukherjee, and Shibani Maulik have left for their heavenly abode. The tradition continues under the care and devotion of the family, The Mukherjee family and the members of the Durga Puja ensuring the Puja retains its authenticity and scale.
An Experience Beyond Devotion- The Pandal: A breathtaking recreation of the Pashupatinath Temple. The Bhog: Traditional, soulful, and served with comfort in an AC hall. The Footfall: Over 2 lakh devotees daily, making it one of the world’s most attended Pujas. The Festivity: Extensive food stalls, cultural activities, and festive bazaars. The Inclusivity: Open to both Bengalis and non-Bengalis, offering darshan and a shared cultural celebration.
Samrat Mukerji:
“North Bombay Durga Puja is a legacy, a responsibility, and an emotion. This year, with the majestic recreation of the Pashupatinath Temple, we hope devotees feel a divine connection that transcends boundaries of religion and culture.”Sharbani Mukherji:
“For our family, North Bombay Puja has always been about devotion, inclusivity, and togetherness. The USP of our puja is that it is A Gharua Puja (Family Puja) where all devotees become part of our puja family. This year’s Pashupatinath theme adds a new spiritual dimension, reminding us of the eternal bond between devotees and divinity.”
With its vibrant rituals, soulful dhak beats, and the warmth of community gatherings, the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja once again stood tall as a cultural phenomenon of the Mukherjee family — a celebration where heritage meets modern-day glamour, making Mumbai’s festive calendar truly unforgettable.
