As the festive season begins to wash over Mumbai, city residents and tourists alike eagerly await the vibrant celebrations of Durga Puja. Known for its unique blend of glamour and tradition, Mumbai’s Durga Puja pandals become a hotbed for celebrity sightings during this time of the year. The convergence of Bollywood’s who’s who and their deep-rooted cultural practices form a spectacular tapestry that highlights the spirit of this festival. As Navratri kicks off on October 15, it ushers in a period of jubilant festivity, with preparations for Durga Puja reaching their climax.
One of the most iconic spots for these celebrations is the illustrious Balkanji Bari in Santacruz. Hosted by the renowned Mukerji family, this pandal is famous for being a magnet for Bollywood stars. Regular visitors include the likes of Rani Mukerji, Kajol, along with Tanuja and Tanishaa Mukerjee, who all play an active role in the rituals. Notably, the celebrated director Ayan Mukerji often participates by serving ‘Bhog’ to the devotees. This blending of religious devotion and star power draws admirers from all walks of life.
Moving from Santacruz to Juhu, the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samity is another must-visit pandal attracting famous faces. The Mukerji family frequents this pandal alongside the charismatic Sushmita Sen and her daughters, Renee and Alisah. In addition, one may spot the illustrious Bachchan family, with stalwarts like Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan gracing the event. Director Anurag Basu is also known to be a familiar presence here, enjoying the celebrations amidst the fervent crowd.
Lokhandwala Durgotsav, hosted by singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, is well into its 26th year of exuding festive vigor. This pandal stands out for its vibrant blend of musical and cultural performances, often featuring Bhattacharya himself. Over the years, it has become a prominent hub for celebrities who eagerly participate in the colorful festivities, contributing to the pulsating energy that envelops the pandal.
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Not far away, Ramakrishna Math and Mission, located on Khar Road, holds a special place in the hearts of many devotees, including the celebrated Bachchan family. Regular visitors include Amitabh Bachchan, joined by his son Abhishek, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, and granddaughter Aaradhya. This pandal is revered as a sacred pilgrimage site to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga, making it a noteworthy destination during this time.
Juhu houses another notable congregation in the form of Biswajit Chatterjee’s Puja Pandal. Known for drawing stars from diverse sectors of Bollywood, it remains an epicenter of joy and reverence. The Roshan family, including Hrithik Roshan along with his father Rakesh Roshan, often visits this pandal, offering devotees a chance to mingle with these luminaries and capture memorable moments.
Similarly, Kumar Sanu’s Lokhandwala Pujo stands as a beacon of musical reverence. Kumar Sanu, or Kedarnath Bhattacharya, hosts a puja that’s no less than a celebrity parade. With a name like Kumar Sanu associated with it, the attraction it holds for both regular devotees and stars alike is undeniable, turning it into a highly anticipated location for visitors each year.
This year, the DN Nagar Durga Puja Pandal, under the guidance of actress Rituparna Sengupta, is set for a grand celebration at Chitrakoot Gardens. The organizers plan to honor the late composer Aadesh Srivastava, with actress Vijayta Pandit performing in memory of her husband, further enriching the emotional fabric of the event. The pandal warmly welcomes a constellation of stars annually, such as Rupali Ganguli, Anurag Basu, the Bachchan family, Mika Singh, and Shankar Mahadevan. With its electrifying performances and traditional dhunuchi naach, this pandal is a focal point of excitement and devotion within the community.
Indeed, as Mumbai dons its festive attire and embraces the spirit of Durga Puja, these celebrity-favored pandals become a fusion of films and faith, providing a picturesque backdrop of Mumbai’s cultural tapestry. Visiting these pandals is not just about star-spotting but also an opportunity to witness the seamless integration of fervor and tradition, emblematic of Mumbai’s diverse cultural spirit.
