Durga Puja: Beyond Bengal

Durga Puja, the grand annual celebration of Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, is one of the most beloved festivals in India, traditionally associated with West Bengal. Growing up steeped in Bengali culture, this festival has always been more than just a religious occasion—it’s a time for celebration, cultural expression, and community bonding. Yet, as the years have passed, Durga Puja has expanded its reach far beyond the borders of Bengal, embedding itself in cities like Mumbai, where it now flourishes with unparalleled enthusiasm.

Historically, Durga Puja has been celebrated with grandeur in Bengal, especially Kolkata, since the 16th century. What began as a private family affair eventually grew into a community-driven festival with enormous, vibrant pandals and elaborate rituals. In Mumbai, the festival first found its roots with the Bengali diaspora—families who had moved westward for work and education. Over time, however, the celebration became much more than just a Bengali event. Today, Durga Puja pandals can be found across Mumbai, from Juhu to Versova, from Andheri to Kandivali. The festival, like the city itself, has become a melting pot of cultures, welcoming people from all walks of life. And here, as in Kolkata, the air fills with the sound of dhaaks (traditional drums), the aroma of bhog, and the energy of people coming together in celebration.

One of the unique aspects of Durga Puja is the presence of non-vegetarian food—a rare sight in Indian religious festivals. In Bengal, even the Brahmins eat fish, and that tradition continues in Mumbai. It’s not uncommon to enjoy a plate of steaming kosha mangsho or machher jhol after offering prayers at a pandal. This fusion of religion and food adds a distinct flavor to the Mumbai Puja experience. Film stars, as with any grand Mumbai event, have also embraced Durga Puja. The Andheri Durga Puja, organized by playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, is one of the most popular, drawing in crowds with its cultural performances and celebrity sightings. Versova hosts another iconic celebration, where Bollywood actress Kajol is a regular participant. These events highlight how the festival has moved beyond the realm of tradition, blending seamlessly with Mumbai’s glamorous spirit.

My Pandal-Hopping in Mumbai: As a regular visitor to Mumbai’s Durga pandals, I’ve experienced firsthand how the city celebrates this festival with the same passion and warmth as Bengal. Last year, I visited the Durga pandal in Kandivali, a beautifully adorned space alive with lights, music, and devotion. The vibrant energy of the crowd, the rhythmic beats of the dhaak, and the powerful chants of “Jai Maa Durga” filled the air, creating a palpable sense of divinity and unity.

After spending the evening soaking in the atmosphere, I decided to stop for a quick treat on my way home. I found a Baskin Robbins ice cream parlor nearby, and while enjoying a chocolate cone, something caught my eye—a little girl, a street urchin, peering into the shop, her eyes wide with longing. She stood there, barefoot and begging, a stark contrast to the festive abundance around us. Feeling a sudden rush of compassion, I called her inside and asked her to choose any ice cream she liked. She shyly pointed to a chocolate cone. I bought it for her, and as she savored her first bite, her face lit up with pure joy. She didn’t say much, but her smile spoke volumes as she quickly disappeared into the dark bylanes. As I watched her go, a deep sense of contentment washed over me. In that small act, I felt the true essence of Durga—compassion, strength, and the nurturing spirit of the divine feminine. It wasn’t just about the grand pandals or the elaborate rituals; it was about spreading love, sharing joy, and uplifting those around us.

This experience, for me, is the true spirit of Durga Puja—the embodiment of Maa Durga not just as a warrior goddess, but as the compassionate mother, always watching over her children. As the festival continues to grow beyond its traditional boundaries, it carries with it the universal message of love, kindness, and strength. And that’s what makes Durga Puja so special, no matter where you celebrate it.