In the bustling city of Mumbai, where glamour intertwines with tradition, the arrival of the festive season is eagerly anticipated by both residents and Bollywood celebrities. As Navratri unfolds on October 15, it marks the beginning of Durga Puja, a time of devotion, celebration, and community gatherings. Amidst the festivities, certain pandals in Mumbai have emerged as celebrity magnets, drawing film icons seeking blessings and participating in puja rituals alongside the local devotees.
One of the most iconic spots on the celebrity circuit is the Balkanji Bari Durga Puja in Santacruz. Organized by the Mukerji family, this pandal is renowned for its star-studded guest list, which includes Bollywood luminaries like Rani Mukerji, Kajol, Tanuja, and Tanishaa Mukerjee. The talented filmmaker Ayan Mukerji often takes part in serving ‘Bhog’, illustrating the deep personal involvement Bollywood stars have with this pandal.
Just a short stroll away lies the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samity in Juhu. This pandal has become a popular gathering for celebrities during the festive season. Regular visitors include the Mukerji family, accompanied by the elegant Sushmita Sen and her daughters, Renee and Alisah. Even the esteemed Bachchan family, led by legends Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, are known to frequent this pandal alongside directorial talent Anurag Basu, adding further to the glamour of the event.
Over in Lokhandwala, the Lokhandwala Durgotsav, orchestrated by singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, has been a celebration hub for the past 26 years. The pandal is appreciated not only for its traditional rituals but also for its vibrant cultural performances, which often feature Abhijeet himself. This pandal is a testament to how celebrities like to blend traditional elements with their artistic flair, creating a unique atmosphere that captivates both the audience and the participants.
Another significant site for celebrity worshippers is the Ramakrishna Math and Mission in Khar Road.
. Here, the Bachchan family regularly seeks the blessings of the divine, accompanied by their son Abhishek, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, and granddaughter Aaradhya Bachchan, emphasizing their devotion and commitment to the spiritual aspect of the festivities.
Heading to Juhu once again, we find Biswajit Chatterjee’s Puja Pandal, which is no stranger to high-profile visits. Hrithik Roshan, another Bollywood heartthrob, is frequently seen with his father, Rakesh Roshan, participating in the pandal’s rituals. This pandal presents an opportunity for fans to catch a glimpse of their favorites in more personal, candid moments.
In the locality of Lokhandwala, the Kumar Sanu-hosted Puja stands as another celebrity-favored venue. Known by his real name Kedarnath Bhattacharya, the legendary playback singer attracts a slew of stars from across Mumbai, adding a delightful touch of musical tradition to the festivities.
Finally, at DN Nagar, patrons eagerly anticipate Rituparna Sengupta’s Puja, hosted this year at Chitrakoot Gardens. The pandal is planning a grand celebration, including a tribute to the late composer Aadesh Srivastava by his wife, actress Vijayta Pandit. Regular appearances are made by renowned figures like Rituparna Sengupta, Rupali Ganguli, Anurag Basu, and members of the Bachchan family. Additionally, the presence of artists like Mika Singh and Shankar Mahadevan adds to the allure and excitement of the event.
These celebrity-frequented pandals are not just places of prayer; they are vibrant hubs where Mumbai’s film industry and its devotees embrace the spirit of Durga Puja. It is in these spaces that the line between star and admirer blurs, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy. As the city prepares for another year of festivities, these well-known venues promise to offer a unique spectacle that combines Bollywood allure with profound traditional devotion. As the curtain rises on Navratri and Durga Puja, Mumbai’s iconic pandals stand ready to welcome all – celebrities and fans alike – to celebrate together amid rituals, dance, and community spirit.
