Durga Puja, the festival that honours Maa Durga’s triumph over evil, shines with unmatched grandeur each year. In Mumbai, this spirit takes shape through stunningly crafted Durga Puja pandals that light up every corner of the city.

To truly embrace the season, visit the top Durga Puja Pandals in Mumbai, each blending devotion, culture, and community spirit. While exploring, take time to witness the various traditions in Durga Puja Pandals in Mumbai 2025, from sacred Pushpanjali prayers to the joy of Sindur Khela.

For a comfortable and enriching experience, follow our tips for visiting Durga Puja Pandals in Mumbai 2025, making your festive journey meaningful and unforgettable.

In this blog

  • Durga Puja and Navratri in Mumbai: Two Celebrations, One Spirit
  • Durga Puja 2025: Important Dates in Mumbai
  • Various Traditions in Durga Puja Pandals in Mumbai
  • Top Durga Puja Pandals in Mumbai 2025
  • Helpful Tips for Visiting Durga Puja Pandals in Mumbai 2025
  • Extend Your Festive Journey with Club Mahindra Resorts in Maharashtra

Durga Puja and Navratri in Mumbai: Two Celebrations, One Spirit

Durga-Puja-and-Navratri-in-Mumbai-Two-Celebrations-One-Spirit

Mumbai in autumn becomes a canvas of devotion, painted with two distinct yet overlapping festivals. Navratri spans nine vibrant nights filled with garba and dandiya, where families gather around a Navratri Pandal in Mumbai. These pandals echo with music and energy, celebrating Gujarat’s cultural heritage with dazzling attire, rhythmic steps, and joyful community gatherings.

Durga Puja, on the other hand, condenses its essence into five deeply spiritual days. Each Durga Puja pandal transforms into a sacred space of rituals like morning Pushpanjali prayers, afternoon bhog offerings, Sandhi Puja between Ashtami and Navami, and the resonant dhaak that fills the evenings with devotion.

For many visitors, the search for a Durga Puja Pandal in Mumbai often overlaps with Navratri curiosity. Experiencing both within the same week offers a rare glimpse into Mumbai’s inclusive spirit, where cultures intertwine and celebrations unite under the goddess’s grace.

Durga Puja 2025: Important Dates in Mumbai

Durga-Puja-2025-Important-Dates-in-Mumbai

Planning your visits to the Durga Puja Pandals in Mumbai 2025 becomes easier with a clear festival calendar. Each day carries unique rituals and deep spiritual meaning.

  • Mahalaya – 22 September 2025: Marks the descent of Maa Durga to earth. Devotees wake early to recite hymns, and pandals begin final decorations to welcome the goddess with devotion.
  • Shashti – 28 September 2025: The unveiling of the idol takes place. Rituals like Bodhan and Adhivas start, filling every Durga Puja pandal in Mumbai with the energy of new beginnings.
  • Saptami – 29 September 2025: Known for Nabapatrika snan (sacred bathing of nine plants) and morning Pushpanjali. It is the first full day of puja at the major Durga Puja pandal
  • Ashtami – 30 September 2025: The festival’s most important day. Devotees offer Anjali, bhog is served in abundance, and Sandhi Puja unites thousands in powerful chants and 108 lamp offerings.
  • Navami – 1 October 2025: Dedicated to rituals and grand evening arati. Devotees gather at Durga Puja Pandals in Maharashtra to witness final prayers before bidding farewell to the goddess.
  • Dashami – 2 October 2025: Sindur Khela fills pandals with colour and joy. After rituals, Maa Durga’s idol is carried for visarjan, symbolising the goddess’s return to her celestial abode.

Various Traditions in Durga Puja Pandals in Mumbai

Various-Traditions-in-Durga-Puja-Pandals-in-Mumbai

Visiting the Durga Puja Pandals in Mumbai is not only about darshan; it is also about experiencing the sacred traditions that define the festival. Each Durga Puja pandal comes alive with rituals that carry deep spiritual meaning and unite families in devotion.

  • Morning Pushpanjali: Offered usually between 9 am and 11 am, Pushpanjali is when devotees gather with flowers in hand to chant mantras and seek blessings. In every Durga Puja Pandal in Mumbai, this ritual creates a serene atmosphere where prayers flow in unison, strengthening faith and community spirit.
  • Bhog Distribution: Afternoons are marked by the serving of khichuri, labra, chutney, and sweets as bhog. Families sit together and share meals, turning each Durga Puja pandal into a community kitchen. For many, this ritual is a reminder of equality, devotion, and the goddess’s abundant blessings.
  • Sandhi Puja: Performed at the sacred juncture between Ashtami and Navami, Sandhi Puja involves lighting 108 lamps and chanting powerful mantras. The ambience inside a Durga Puja Pandal in Mumbai at this time is charged with divine energy, drawing crowds eager to witness the most intense moment of the festival.
  • Sindoor Khela on Dashami: On the final day, married women smear vermilion on the goddess and on one another, marking blessings for prosperity and family well-being. This tradition fills every Durga Puja pandal with colour, laughter, and a bittersweet farewell as devotees prepare for the immersion of the idol.

Across the city and in other Durga Puja Pandals in Maharashtra, these rituals are observed with devotion, connecting communities in shared faith and celebration.

Top Durga Puja Pandals in Mumbai 2025

Top-Durga-Puja-Pandals-in-Mumbai-2025

The joy of Pujo in Mumbai lies in pandal-hopping- moving from one celebration to another, each offering a different flavour of devotion. From historic halls to sprawling grounds, every Durga Puja Pandal in Mumbai adds to the city’s sacred mosaic.

Bombay Durgabari Samiti

Founded in 1930, this is the city’s oldest running Durga Puja. The pandal radiates heritage with its traditional idol style and rituals like Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja. Families who want a calm and authentic spiritual experience often choose this Durga Puja pandal, where the emphasis is on devotion over decoration.

Bengal Club, Shivaji Park, Dadar

In the heart of Dadar, the Bengal Club has been a cultural anchor for decades. During Pujo, Shivaji Park becomes a gathering place for thousands. Cultural performances, bhog distribution, and late-night addas make it a must-visit Durga Puja Pandal in Mumbai for anyone wanting to witness the city’s Bengali community at its vibrant best.

North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja, Juhu

Started in 1948, this pandal has become synonymous with grandeur and glamour. Often attended by celebrities, the celebrations at Juhu bring together devotion, cultural programs, and massive crowds. If you want to experience a large-scale Durga Puja pandal that combines faith with spectacle, this is your stop.

Lokhandwala Durgotsav, Andheri West

Held at Lokhandwala Garden Ground, this Pujo is known for its cultural line-ups and festive evenings. The Navratri Pandal in Mumbai here welcomes people of all faiths, blending devotion with music and food stalls. With thousands visiting daily, it has become a central highlight of the western suburbs.

Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Khar

For those seeking quiet devotion, the temple-style celebration at Khar offers puja, bhog, and arati with disciplined timing. This Durga Puja pandal stands apart with its serene atmosphere, perfect for families with elders or those who prefer less crowded worship.

Powai Sarvajanin Durgotsav

Organised by the Powai Bengali Welfare Association since 2006, this pandal is a hub of cultural shows, food stalls, and rituals. As one of the most popular Durga Puja Pandals in Mumbai, it’s especially family-friendly, with ample space for children and senior citizens to enjoy the celebrations comfortably.

Chembur Durga Puja Association (CDPA)

Chembur’s pandal has grown into a landmark over the years, attracting thousands with its rituals and entertainment programs. It is known for its well-managed bhog and inclusive vibe, making it one of the most welcoming Durga Puja pandals in Maharashtra for visitors from all over the city.

Navi Mumbai Bengali Association, Vashi

In its 46th year in 2025, NMBA’s celebration remains a cornerstone for the Bengali community in Navi Mumbai. The venue is lively with rituals, music, and performances, reflecting the same grandeur you’d expect from a central Mumbai pandal.

Thakur Village Bengali Association, Kandivali East

TVBA hosts one of the most energetic suburban Durga Puja celebrations. The pandal buzzes with performances, packed bhog counters, and long evenings of devotion. This Durga Puja Pandal in Mumbai has grown into a suburban favourite, attracting families from Kandivali, Borivali, and beyond.

Sanskriti Durga Puja, Borivali East

Counted among the oldest suburban celebrations, this pandal focuses on traditional worship and cultural service. The homely environment and organised bhog arrangements make it a cherished stop for pandal-hoppers.

Vashi Cultural Association, Juhu Nagar, Navi Mumbai

Known for lively cultural programs and strong community participation, this pandal draws large crowds on Ashtami and Navami nights. Visitors describe it as one of the friendliest Durga Puja pandals in Maharashtra, where devotion flows seamlessly into celebration.

Helpful Tips for Visiting Durga Puja Pandals in Mumbai 2025

Helpful-Tips-for-Visiting-Durga-Puja-Pandals-in-Mumbai-2025

With thousands of devotees thronging every Durga Puja Pandal in Mumbai, a little preparation makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable for families. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind while pandal-hopping across the city:

  • Plan Your Timing: Visit in the mornings for calm darshan. Evenings bring cultural programs, but most Durga Puja pandals get crowded after 7 pm.
  • Travel Light: Carry only essentials in a small sling bag. Large backpacks can slow movement through a pandal.
  • Comfortable Clothing: Slip-on footwear is best as you’ll remove it at every pandal. Cotton clothes keep you cool; carry a shawl or jacket if showers are expected.
  • Stay Hydrated: Water bottles are useful, but check if outside food is permitted. Many big pandals offer bhog and have food stalls.
  • Family Care: Volunteers often help elders, provide shaded seating, and guide families with children.
  • Transport Tips: Use trains and metros for faster travel, then switch to autos for the last mile. Popular areas like Juhu, Andheri, and Powai face heavy traffic.

Every Durga Puja Pandal in Mumbai has dedicated volunteers, ensuring rituals and bhog queues are managed with care so devotion flows without stress.

Extend Your Festive Journey with Club Mahindra Resorts in Maharashtra

Extend-Your-Festive-Journey-with-Club-Mahindra-Resorts-in-Maharashtra

After the vibrant days of pandal-hopping, nothing feels more rewarding than unwinding amidst nature and comfort. Club Mahindra resorts across Maharashtra offer the perfect retreats, combining premium stays with enriching family experiences.

  • Club Mahindra Tungi, Lonavala: Just 120 km from Mumbai, this hillside resort in Lonavala overlooks Pawna Lake and the Sahyadris. Spacious rooms and scenic trails make it ideal for weekend escapes.
  • Club Mahindra Alibaug: A coastal haven close to the city, this beach resort in Alibaug offers beachside charm, a sparkling pool, and villa-style living for a relaxed family holiday.
  • Club Mahindra Sherwood, Mahabaleshwar: Surrounded by strawberry farms and misty forests, this hill resort in Mahabaleshwar invites you to long walks, spa therapies, and cosy evenings.
  • Club Mahindra Hatgad, Nashik District: Located near Saputara, this resort near Nashik combines history with adventure through fort treks and panoramic mountain views.

Whether you begin your trip with darshan at a Durga Puja Pandal in Mumbai or explore Durga Puja Pandals in Maharashtra, these resorts in Maharashtra ensure your festive journey flows seamlessly into cherished family memories.

Conclusion

As the dhaak fades and the lamps dim, what lingers is the blessing you carry home. Visiting Durga Puja Pandals in Mumbai brings devotion, community, and shared joy, while Durga Puja Pandals in Maharashtra echo the same spirit across cities like Pune and Nashik. Extend this sacred calm with a Club Mahindra getaway—from Lonavala’s hills to Alibaug’s beaches—turning festive days into timeless journeys of faith, family, and togetherness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Durga Puja dates in Mumbai for 2025?

The celebrations begin with Shashthi on 28 September 2025 and conclude with Dashami on 2 October 2025. Saptami falls on 29 September, Ashtami on 30 September, and Navami on 1 October.

Which is the oldest Durga Puja Pandal in Mumbai?

The Bombay Durga Bari Samiti, which first celebrated Durga Puja in 1930, is considered the city’s oldest and most traditional Durga Puja pandal.

How is a Navratri Pandal in Mumbai different from a Durga Puja Pandal?

A Navratri Pandal in Mumbai usually hosts garba and dandiya nights, reflecting Gujarat’s traditions. A Durga Puja Pandal in Mumbai, by contrast, focuses on Bengali rituals such as Pushpanjali, bhog, Sandhi Puja, and Sindur Khela.

Which Durga Puja Pandals in Maharashtra should I visit beyond Mumbai?

Besides Mumbai’s pandals in Juhu, Andheri, Chembur, and Powai, you can explore community pujas in Pune, Nashik, and Nagpur. These Durga Puja Pandals in Maharashtra carry the same devotion, often with smaller but equally heartfelt celebrations.

When is the best time to visit a Durga Puja pandal in Mumbai?

Mornings are ideal for peaceful darshan and Pushpanjali, while evenings bring cultural programs, food stalls, and festive energy. Families with elders or young children may prefer visiting before sunset.

  • Mumbai
  • Durga puja

About Club Mahindra

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. (MHRIL), a part of Leisure and Hospitality sector of the Mahindra Group, offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership memberships and brings to the industry values such as reliability, trust and customer satisfaction. Started in 1996, the company's flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra’, today has over 300,000 members , who can holiday at 140+ resorts in India and abroad.

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