A Star-Studded Day of Faith, Family & Festivity at Mumbai’s Grandest Durga Puja

The 79th North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja continued its spectacular celebration on Day 2, bringing together faith, heritage, and a star-studded guest list. The Mukherjee family led the rituals, joined by Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Tanishaa Mukerji, Ayan Mukerji, Leena Jain, Divya Agarwal, and Shibani Maulik, who offered their prayers and celebrated the divine energy of Maa Durga.

Adding a heartfelt layer of nostalgia, Tanishaa Mukerji paid tribute to her lineage by wearing her grandmother’s cherished ring and her father’s treasured pendant. Rono Mukherjee, along with the committee members, honored the memory of Late Deb Mukherjee, who was considered the pillar of this iconic Puja. Music added to the festive aura as Rego B unveiled his devotional song “Bolo Bolo Maa Durga”, filling the air with spiritual fervor.

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A Pandal that Evokes Divinity

This year’s Puja theme recreates the majestic aura of the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most revered shrines of Lord Shiva. The intricate pandal design, crafted by master artisans from Kolkata, is not just visually stunning but also spiritually immersive, transporting devotees to a space of deep devotion and reverence.

The centerpiece, the Maa Durga Protima, has been sculpted in keeping with age-old traditions, radiating the familiar swaroop that devotees have revered for generations. In a dramatic ritual unique to this Puja, the idol is forklifted into the pandal, a spectacle that symbolizes the grandeur and scale of the event.

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A Bhog Like No Other

North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja is the only Durga Puja in the world where bhog is served in a fully air-conditioned hall — an experience that blends comfort with tradition. The menu features khichuri, chholar dal, beguni, and authentic Bengali sweets, making it a soul-satisfying ritual that thousands line up for each day.

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Navratri – The Nine Divine Days

Each day of Navratri at North Bombay Puja carries deep spiritual meaning:

1. Shailaputri – strength and nature

2. Brahmacharini – wisdom and penance

3. Chandraghanta – bravery and grace

4. Kushmanda – cosmic energy and creation

5. Skandamata – nurturing motherly love

6. Katyayani – courage and warrior spirit

7. Kaalratri – protection from fear and darkness

8. Mahagauri – purity and serenity

9. Siddhidatri – blessings and spiritual powers

Together, these days create a profound journey from prayer to triumph, culminating in Dashami, which marks the victory of good over evil.

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The Mukherjee Legacy

The Mukherjee family has been the soul of this Puja since its inception. This year holds a special emotional resonance as Rono Mukherjee, Debu Mukherjee, and Shibani Maulik are remembered for their unwavering devotion and contribution. Their legacy continues under the guidance of the family and the organizing committee, ensuring that the Puja remains a beacon of authenticity and grandeur.

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Voices from the Puja

Samrat Mukerji shared,

> “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. 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 added,

> “For our family, North Bombay Puja has always been about devotion, inclusivity, and togetherness. It is heartwarming to see people from all walks of life, Bengali and non-Bengali alike, come together to celebrate Maa Durga with faith and joy. This is ‘A Gharua Puja’ — a family puja — where every devotee becomes a part of our family, whether it’s serving bhog or participating in pushpanjali. The Pashupatinath theme this year deepens that bond between devotees and divinity.”

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The 79th North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja 2025 stands tall as a cultural and spiritual landmark — a celebration of faith, food, music, and togetherness. With over 2 lakh devotees visiting daily,

it continues to be one of the most significant Durga Puja celebrations in the world.