For Bengalis in Mumbai, Durga Puja is more than a festival; it is an emotion, a homecoming and a much-awaited annual ritual. Over the years, the celebration has also drawn thousands of non-Bengalis, making it one of the city’s most inclusive cultural festivals. This year, pandals across Mumbai are bringing together tradition, art and contemporary ideas through elaborate décor, distinctive themes and eco-friendly idols. From recreations of iconic temples and royal palaces to tributes to Satyajit Ray and explorations of nature’s power, the themes promise to offer visitors plenty to discover.
NORTH BOMBAY DURGA PUJA, JUHU
Theme: A recreation of Kerala’s Guruvayur Temple
This is one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Intricate craftsmanship and traditional architectural detailing will lend the setting a sense of spiritual grandeur, creating an immersive experience for devotees.
BENGAL CLUB SHIVAJI PARK, DADAR
Theme: Prakriti Shakti — The Power of Nature
Inspired by recent natural disasters in Nepal and the Himalayan region, the theme explores nature’s destructive and regenerative forces through three stages: disturbance, awakening and regeneration. The central message is that Durga Maa does not merely vanquish evil; she also restores balance.
LOKHANDWALA DURGA PUJA
Theme: Royal palace architecture
Continuing its tradition of grand architectural themes, Lokhandwala Durga Puja will once again feature a royal palace-inspired pandal.times
POWAI SARVAJANIN DURGOTSAV
Theme: Harmony Through Peace
With Harmony Through Peace as its theme, the puja seeks to convey a universal message of unity, compassion and coexistence at a time when the world needs greater understanding.
KRISHTI DURGA PUJO, KANDIVLI
Theme: The World of Ray — A tribute to Satyajit Ray
Cinema and literature come together in this tribute to filmmaker and author Satyajit Ray. The pandal will recreate scenes from films such as Pather Panchali, Aranyer Din Ratri and Charulata, among others, taking visitors through Ray’s celebrated cinematic and literary universe.
NAVI MUMBAI BENGALI ASSOCIATION, VASHI
Theme: Sharodiya — From Soul to Soil
Celebrating the emotional connection between people, their roots and their cultural heritage, Sharodiya — From Soul to Soil evokes the spirit of a traditional Bengali homecoming. Here, emotion takes centre stage, becoming the defining element of the festive décor and experience.
NOTUNPALLI SARBOJONIN DURGOTSAB, BANDRA
Theme: From Shiva to Shakti
Conceptualised and designed by Nayanikka Daas, the theme takes visitors on a journey from Shiva to Maa Durga, the embodiment of Shakti. Combining traditional materials with contemporary design, the pandal explores the transition from stillness to movement, awareness to creation, and ultimately, balance and joy.
NEW BENGAL CLUB, THANE
Theme: Hawa Mahal
Known for its ambitious architectural recreations, New Bengal Club has previously drawn inspiration from landmarks such as Akshardham and Mumbai’s BMC building. This year, the spotlight shifts to Jaipur’s iconic Hawa Mahal.
NAVODAYA DURGA PUJA, THANE
Theme: Dakshineswar Temple
Drawing inspiration from Kolkata’s iconic Dakshineswar Kali Temple, the pandal celebrates Bengal’s spiritual heritage and devotional traditions. The recreation aims to bring the state’s spiritual soul to life for visitors.
ANANDA UTSAV DURGA PUJA, TRENTO LAWNS, GOREGAON WEST
Theme: Art Deco nostalgia
Ananda Utsav will embrace an Art Deco-inspired aesthetic, bringing a touch of nostalgia to its celebrations. The organisers also place women at the heart of the celebration, with an all-women membership leading the rituals and performances.
