MUMBAI: The second weekend of Ashwin Navratri sees Durga Puja festivities come to a peak as the Bengali community makes best use of its holiday. Eastern and western suburbs are flush with festivity.Kandivli is home to thousands of Bengalis and multiple Durga Pujas. Chairman of the 13-year-old Hillside Residents’ Cultural and Welfare Association (HRCWA) Sumantra Mitra said their pandal draws inspiration from the terracotta temples of Bishnupur. “We have created a replica of the Shyam Raya temple. We launched festivities with Anand Mela, and khichudi bhog is being distributed from Oct 16-20. Indian Idol fame Myscmme Bosu is among the performers.“The Thakur Village Bengali Association (TVBA) pandal at Evershine Club Ground bears an immersive theme ‘Naba Durga’. Spokesperson Chinmoy Roy said, “The pandal and idol are handcrafted using terracotta, rust tones, jute and bamboo. The design honours the nine forms of Ma Durga, from Shailputri’s strength to Siddhidatri’s wisdom.Visitors can enjoy dhunuchi naach, bhog, authentic Bengali food and cultural shows.”Sanskriti is a popular Pujo in Borivli East. Established in 1953 by filmmakers Bimal Roy and Basu Chatterjee, Sanskriti Club claims to hold the distinction of being the oldest Durga Puja in the suburbs and the fifth oldest across the city. Located at BMC Garden, Kulupwadi, its 74th edition brings together traditional rituals, community bhog, and rich cultural programming. General secretary Gautam Sarkar said, “One highlight is our flagship cultural initiative, the Swar Nritya Utsav dedicated to promoting Indian classical arts. On Ashtami Oct 18 we will feature two classical recitals, one by sarod player Pt Pradeep Barot, another by classical vocalist Pt Subhamoy Bhattacharya.” Sanskriti has begun the countdown towards its 75th year or platinum jubilee coming up in 2027.In Borivli West, the Pushpanjali Puja is located opposite Aura Hotel in Narayan Garden. The mandal with 100 dedicated members is completing eight years of celebrating Durga Puja. Spokesperson Lalmohan Belel said, “Durga Puja is more than a religious festival; it is a celebration of family, unity and devotion. Our six-day festivities beginning on Maha Shashti and continuing through Vijayadashami (Dussehra), are filled with sacred rituals, prayers and daily bhog offerings. Many believe that sincere prayers offered to the Divine Mother bring peace, guidance and fulfilment. The warm, family-like atmosphere makes every visitor feel welcome.”At Rajora Banquets in Mindspace, the Malad West Durgotsav of Maitree bears the theme ‘Durga tumi themo na’ (Durga, please don’t stop). General secretary Rupa Roy said, “This is an ode to women’s resilience, dreams and inner strength.” Founder member Subhankar Dutt added, “Visitors will enjoy classical, modern and folk dances on Oct 17-18.” The Udayan Club Puja at Koli Samaj Hall will turn 60 next year. It has announced daily pushpanjali, aarti, bhog, dhunuchi dance and cultural programmes.The eastern suburbs also have a host of prominent Puja pandals. In Chembur the CDPA Bengali Association will recreate the warmth of a Bengali household Puja with homely ambience, rituals and bhog. Surajit Sengupta, general secretary, said, “Our decor involves creative use of Bankura putul, bamboo and jute. A special highlight this season was the Anando Mela of Oct 15 which provided a platform for budding entrepreneurs and home-based businesses to showcase food and handcrafted products.” The soulful beats of the dhaak, music, theatre, art and food are all drawing visitors to Chembur in large numbers.Meanwhile the Bengalee Association Antop Wadala (BAAW) located in Twin CGS Colony is celebrating its 41st Durgotsav at the community centre in Sector 7, CGS Colony. President Radhanath Basak and secretary Tapan Mondal said they focus on religious devotion and spiritual fervour than festivities. On Saptami, Ashtami and Navami, Mahabhog is distributed to all devotees. The women’s wing prepares coconut ‘naru’ for distribution during Puja.This year, BAAW has suffered the loss of its chief patron UC Saha, who passed away at the age of 104, and former president AB Samui, 75. As a result its cultural programmes have been halted.The three-year-old Hoyi Choyi Anondo Foundation Durga Puja at SNDT Women’s College, Matunga, has devised the theme Prathaa (tradition). The ritual sandhi puja and pushpanjali are highlights apart from its Anondo Bhog where a freshly curated menu is served each day from khichudi, beguni and labda to an array of sweets, mishti doi and delicious ice creams, said spokesperson Sandipan Ghosh.Cultural shows at SNDT auditorium include the dance drama Chitrangada, Bengali drama Byapika Bidai and folk songs, all performed by HCAF members. The star attraction is a live performance for members by singer Javed Ali at Shanmukhananda auditorium, King’s Circle, on Oct 20.
