Mumbai’s Top Durga Puja Pandals You Can’t Miss in 2025: Glory, Glamour & Tradition

Sep 22, 2025

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Durga Puja is more than just a festival; it is a grand cultural celebration. In Mumbai, the festival beautifully blends Bengali traditions with the city’s cosmopolitan spirit. Every year, hundreds of pandals are set up, but a few stand out for their scale, décor, cultural programmes, and celebrity presence.

If you are planning pandal hopping in Mumbai for Durga Puja 2025, here’s a detailed guide to the 10 most famous pandals, their location, attractions, and what makes them unmissable.

1. Chembur Durga Puja Association (CDPA)

Location: Jawahar Ground, Chembur.
Highlights: Celebrating its 70th year in 2025, this pandal is one of Mumbai’s largest. Known for its grand décor that changes every year, it attracts lakhs of visitors. Cultural performances, bhog distribution, and massive idols are its biggest draws.
Special Attractions: Food stalls serving authentic Bengali cuisine, dhunuchi dance, themed pandal art, and large-scale rituals.
Recognition: Often referred to as “Mumbai’s Kolkata-style puja,” it has won awards for crowd management and artistic décor in previous years.

2. North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti (Mukherjee Family Puja)

Location: Juhu, usually at SNDT College grounds or nearby large venues.
Highlights: Hosted by the Mukherjee family, this pandal is famous for celebrity presence including Rani Mukerji, Kajol, and other Bollywood stars.
Special Attractions: Glamorous décor, star-studded rituals, and cultural shows. The bhog here is also very popular.
Recognition: Consistently listed among Mumbai’s most glamorous pujas, it has previously won awards for best cultural programmes.

3. Lokhandwala Durgotsav

Location: Lokhandwala Gardens, Andheri (West).
Highlights: Started by singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, this pandal is a hub of music, dance, and entertainment. It balances religious rituals with cultural flair.
Special Attractions: Live concerts, dhunuchi naach, and an elaborate food court. Known for its illuminated stage-style décor.
Recognition: Popular with both locals and celebrities, it has been honoured for best live performances in past years.

4. Ramakrishna Math & Mission Puja, Khar (West)

Location: 12th Road, Khar (West).
Highlights: Unlike glitzy pandals, this one is serene and devotional. It focuses on rituals, prayers, and spiritual ambience.
Special Attractions: The Kumari Puja on Ashtami is the main attraction. Devotees also appreciate the soulful chanting and simplicity of décor.
Recognition: Known as the most spiritually inclined Durga Puja in Mumbai.

5. The Bengal Club Puja, Shivaji Park

Location: Shivaji Park, Dadar.
Highlights: A heritage puja where culture meets tradition. Apart from rituals, this pandal is known for exhibitions and Bengali food stalls.
Special Attractions: Literature, handicrafts, traditional sweets, and cultural showcases.
Recognition: One of the oldest pujas in Mumbai, it has been awarded for preserving Bengali traditions.

6. Biswajit Chatterjee’s Family Puja, Juhu

Location: Juhu area, often at Juhu Club Millennial or similar venues.
Highlights: Hosted by actor Biswajit Chatterjee and family, this pandal is rich in tradition yet modern in presentation.
Special Attractions: Star-studded bhog, décor inspired by Bengal’s heritage, and celebrity aarti events.
Recognition: Known for hospitality and celebrity involvement.

7. Powai Bengali Welfare Association (Spandan Puja)

Location: Hiranandani Gardens, Powai.
Highlights: Famous for eco-friendly themes and socially responsible messages.
Special Attractions: Creative décor, cultural performances by children and youth, and sustainable idols.
Recognition: Has won awards for best eco-friendly pandal multiple times.

8. Mulund Bengali Association Puja

Location: Mulund East & West community halls/grounds.
Highlights: Community-centric puja focusing on traditional practices.
Special Attractions: Folk dances, smaller food stalls, and authentic bhog served in community style.
Recognition: Known for best traditional rituals in suburban Mumbai.

9. Bombay Durga Bari Samiti, Kemps Corner

Location: Tejpal Hall, Kemps Corner.
Highlights: Established in 1930, this is Mumbai’s oldest Durga Puja. It has a homely vibe with devotees visiting for decades.
Special Attractions: Traditional décor, soulful bhajans, and vegetarian bhog.
Recognition: Recognised for heritage and legacy—often called the “grandmother of Mumbai pujas.”

10. Balkanji Bari Puja, Santacruz

Location: Santacruz West.
Highlights: Another Mukherjee family puja, known for emotional rituals and social gatherings.
Special Attractions: Sindoor Khela on Dashami is a huge attraction. The décor is elegant and traditional.
Recognition: Famous for combining spirituality with glamour, often winning awards for décor and rituals.

Comparative Snapshot of Mumbai’s Durga Puja Pandals 2025

Pandal	Location	Scale	Special Attractions	Recognition
Chembur Durga Puja Assn	Chembur	Very large	Décor themes, food stalls	Award-winning décor
North Bombay Sarbojanin	Juhu	Huge	Celebrity aarti, glamour	Best cultural shows
Lokhandwala Durgotsav	Andheri (W)	Large	Live music, food	Best performances
Ramakrishna Math	Khar	Moderate	Kumari Puja, peace	Spiritual legacy
Bengal Club	Shivaji Park	Medium	Exhibitions, stalls	Heritage recognition
Biswajit Chatterjee’s	Juhu	Large	Celebrity aarti, décor	Popular hospitality
Powai Spandan	Powai	Medium	Eco-friendly themes	Eco awards
Mulund Bengali Assn	Mulund	Medium	Folk art, rituals	Traditional recognition
Bombay Durga Bari	Kemps Corner	Large	Oldest puja, bhajans	Heritage legacy
Balkanji Bari	Santacruz	Large	Sindoor Khela, glamour	Décor awards

Tips for Pandal Hopping in Mumbai 2025

Best Days: Saptami, Ashtami, Navami for rituals; Dashami for Sindoor Khela.
Transport: Use metro, trains, or ride-shares as parking is limited near pandals.
Food Lovers: Visit during bhog distribution or evening food stall hours.
Photography: Early mornings or afternoons are less crowded, perfect for pictures.
Celebrity Spotting: Head to Juhu and Santacruz pandals in the evenings.

Conclusion

Mumbai’s Durga Puja in 2025 promises grandeur, devotion, and cultural richness. Whether you seek spirituality at Ramakrishna Mission, glamour at Juhu and Santacruz, or heritage at Kemps Corner, the city offers something for everyone. Plan your visits smartly and soak in the vibrant spirit of Maa Durga’s blessings.

Disclaimer

This article is meant for cultural and travel guidance only. Festival schedules, themes, and attractions are subject to change by individual committees. Visitors are advised to check local updates for exact timings before attending.

About the author

I’m Himanshu Dhar, a dedicated MIS trainer proudly associated with I Turn Institute. My journey in the realm of data management and automation spans over 14 enriching years. My passion for this field extends to freelancing projects, where I bring real-world practicality into my teaching. My impact in education is marked by the success of over 25,000 students I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, hailing from diverse backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, I’ve had the honor of conducting corporate training sessions and seminars, catering to the unique needs of businesses. Let’s unlock your potential together in the realm of data analysis and automation.