Mumbai Durga Puja 2026: North Bombay Puja To Recreate Kerala's Guruvayoor Shrine As Associations Unveil Festive Themes

Mumbai's Durga Puja celebrations, set to take place from October 16 to 20, are eagerly anticipated with many themes, programs, and schedules unveiled by puja associations. One such association, North Bombay Sarbojanik Durga Puja in Juhu, will recreate a replica of the Guruvayoor Shrine in Kerala for Maa Durga's worship. Established in 1948, this 80th-year celebration has maintained its Bengali roots while embracing devotees from diverse communities.

The pandal at SNDT, Juhu Tara Road, will showcase intricate craftsmanship and traditional detailing, with Kolkata artisans crafting the Maa Durga protima in its authentic swaroop, paying homage to Bengali idol-making traditions. A distinctive aspect of the North Bombay Puja is the protima's arrival, which involves lifting the idol into position using a forklift.

This year, the puja will mourn the loss of three family members who passed away recently: Rono Mukherjee, Debu Mukherjee, and Shibani Maulik. In their stead, Samrat Mukerji, a member of the family that established Filmistan and Filmalaya studios, vows to honor their legacy while preserving the unique traditions of the North Bombay Puja.

The Durga Puja festivities in the city will blend religious rituals with food, cultural programs, and community activities. At Bhoomi Park Jankalyan Nagar Durgotsav on Marve Road, Malad, a Dhunuchi Naach competition will be held on Shasthi, October 16. The CDPA Bengali Association's Durga Puja will feature an Anondo Mela, reminiscent of the fair initiated by Rabindranath Tagore in 1917.

This mela, inspired by Tagore's students at Visva-Bharati University, showcases handicrafts with proceeds benefiting marginalized sections.