A Sacred Beginning: North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja 2025 Opens with Faith, Heritage, and 2 Lakh+ Devotees

Faith, Festivity, and Heritage Come Alive

The 79th North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja officially commenced on 28th September 2025 with the ceremonial unveiling of Maa Durga’s idol at SNDT, Juhu. Known as one of Mumbai’s oldest and grandest Durga Pujas, the event drew an overwhelming crowd of over two lakh devotees on the very first day. The atmosphere was electric yet reverent, as faith and festivity merged to mark the beginning of the five-day spiritual celebration.

Adding to the pujo’s charm was the presence of Bollywood and television’s favorite faces — Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Tanisha Mukerji, Ayan Mukerji, Reema Lahiri, Govind Bansal, Swastik Bansal (Rego B), Sumona Chakravarti, and politician Ashish Shelar — who joined thousands of devotees to seek Maa Durga’s blessings.

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A Pandal that Transports Devotees

This year’s pandal is a spectacular recreation of Nepal’s revered Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva. Its intricate design, carefully crafted by artisans from Kolkata, transforms the venue into a space of divine energy. The detailed architecture, sacred ambience, and thematic lighting create an immersive experience, making devotees feel as though they are in the spiritual heart of the Himalayas.

The Maa Durga Protima, true to the authentic swaroop, was forklifted into the pandal — a tradition unique to North Bombay Puja that marks the grandeur of the event. The idol radiates grace and divinity, drawing gasps of admiration from the crowd.

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Bhog – A Feast for the Soul

North Bombay Puja is the only Durga Puja in the world to serve bhog in a fully air-conditioned hall, providing comfort to lakhs of devotees. The traditional bhog includes delicacies like khichuri, chholar dal, labra, begun bhaja, and an assortment of Bengali sweets. This soulful experience transforms mealtime into a ritual of togetherness, where every devotee becomes part of the puja family.

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Navratri’s Spiritual Journey

Each of the nine days at the Puja celebrates a form of Maa Durga — from Shailaputri’s embodiment of strength to Siddhidatri’s granting of spiritual blessings. Devotees offer prayers, participate in pushpanjali, and experience the gradual transformation of energy that leads to Dashami’s grand visarjan, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

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A Legacy Carried Forward

The Mukherjee family has been the heart and soul of the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja since its inception. This year’s celebrations hold special significance as the family remembers the late Rono Mukherjee, Debu Mukherjee, and Shibani Maulik. The next generation carries forward the legacy, ensuring the Puja remains as authentic and inclusive as ever.

Actor Samrat Mukerji shares,

> “North Bombay Durga Puja is a legacy, a responsibility, and an emotion. Each year, we strive to create an experience that blends spirituality with tradition, while keeping alive the essence of our ancestors.”

Actress Sharbani Mukherji adds,

> “The USP of our puja is that it is a gharua puja — a family puja. Every devotee becomes part of our family, whether serving bhog, helping during pushpanjali, or simply offering prayers. This year’s Pashupatinath theme adds a divine layer of connection between devotees and the Goddess.”

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A Cultural Phenomenon

With over two lakh devotees visiting every day, a breathtaking pandal, structured bhog service, festive bazaars, and cultural programs, the North Bombay Durga Puja remains Mumbai’s biggest celebration of faith. It welcomes both Bengalis and non-Bengalis, creating a shared cultural space where devotion transcends language and background.

The 2025 edition is not just a festival — it is a living tradition, a spiritual experience,

and a testament to Mumbai’s inclusive cultural fabric.