Divine spiritual grandeur marks Day One of Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti (77th year) with Kajol-Rani-Sharbani-Tanishaa! by Chaitanya Padukone

Amidst divine vibes and spiritual splendor and a grand artistic ambience decor, the much-awaited North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti initiated its 77th-year celebrations. on Day One with the Pran Prathishtha ceremony rituals.

Stars Gather for Durga Puja at North Bombay Sarbojanin

A galaxy of popular stars who are staunch devotees of Maa Durga-debi attended the Day One evening Pran Prathishtha rituals ceremony inside the huge opulent Moroccan-decor Pandal. The celeb-devotees included Debu-da Mukherjee,  Kajol, Rani Mukherjee-Chopra, Sumona Chakravarti, Sharbani Mukherjee, Tanishaa Mukherji Samrat Mukherjee with his wife Salome,  Jaan Kumar Sanu, Krishna Mukherjee, Raja Mukherjee, Kasturi Banerjjee, Rita Bhattacharya, Arjun, Sauvik Banerjjee, Paromita Sarkar, Sushmita Daan, Sheela Banerjee, Prasun Sikdar, Sujoy Mukherjee and many more visited North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja to seek Maa Durga’s blessings at SNDT Ground, Santa Cruz. West ( Mumbai) The night concluded with a mesmerizing live vocal performance by celeb singer-musician Pawandeep Rajan ( winner of 'Indian Idol' season 12 )!

One of the oldest and most revered Durga Puja events in the city, this year promises an unforgettable spectacle, blending spirituality, art, and culture at its newly adorned  spacious venue—SNDT  campus, Juhu Tara Rd, Daulat Nagar, Santacruz (West) Mumbai

At the heart of the celebrations stands an awe-inspiring 18-foot idol of Goddess Durga, meticulously crafted by master artisans brought in from Kolkata, ensuring the most authentic and breathtaking representation of the deity. Accompanying Maa Durga are the intricately sculpted idols of Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kartik, and Ganesh, together creating a divine tableau that embodies the essence of devotion. What distinguishes this celebration is its unwavering commitment to tradition.

In a bold and creative shift, this year’s theme is inspired by the captivating beauty of Morocco,( exotic country located in North Africa). Devotees will be transported to a world where traditional Durga Puja rituals harmoniously blend with the allure of Moroccan artistry, infusing the celebration with a unique global flavor...

North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja is also fondly known as the Bollywood Durga Puja of India. With top celebs like Kajol, Rani Mukherjee,  Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Mouni Roy, Ashutosh Gowariker and so many more seeking Maa Durga’s blessings in the past several years. Even this year (2024) they are expected.to attend.

A key highlight is the biggest "Bhog" service in India. Where over 10,000 devotees gather under one roof in a spacious, air-conditioned dome in batches to partake in the sacred prasad meal. What sets this experience apart is Samiti's ethos of inclusivity—everyone, regardless of caste, color, or financial background, is invited to relish the Bhog, served by the hands of Bollywood’s biggest celebrities, alongside members of the Committee. This beautiful tradition reflects the core belief that in Maa Durga’s home, everyone is equal.

In keeping with its legacy of extraordinary cultural programs, the Pandal will come alive with performances by some of the nation’s most celebrated singers. This year’s star-studded lineup includes celeb singers Pawandeep Rajan, Daler Mehndi Pritam-Da, and a few more, who will take to the stage to offer their soulful renditions in devotion to Maa Durga. The evening live performances are a much-anticipated part of the celebrations, adding a melodic tribute to the divine atmosphere.

However, due to the convergence of Ashtami and Navami on the same day, Bhog this year will only be served on two special days—October 10th and 11th. Despite this limited schedule, amidst utmost hygiene, the Bhog remains a culinary highlight, prepared with love and care by expert cooks. The traditional menu includes rice, khichdi, an array of sweets, exotic vegetables, and a delightful assortment of chutneys, ensuring an authentic and flavorful feast for all devotees.

With an expected footfall of lakhs of people, this year’s Durga Puja celebration will be nothing short of a grand mega-divine spectacle. The enduring glorious legacy of the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti, now in its 77th year, continues to shine as a symbol of unity, devotion, and the timeless spirit of celebration.

Founded in 1948, the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Trust boasts a rich history, established by legendary figures like Shri Sasadhar Mukerji, Ashok Kumar, Kishore Kumar, Bimal Roy, Hemant Kumar, S.D. Burman, Joy Mukerji, Pradeep Kumar, Ram Mukerji, and many others.

In the words of the members of the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti: _“We welcome everyone to our Pujo to seek Maa Durga’s precious blessings. This year’s celebrations will be better with bigger grandeur than ever before.." "It is Maa Durga's shakti and inspiration which makes it all happen," says senior mentor ( former lead actor) Debu-da Mukherjee, who despite his age is very active, as he diligently supervises the arrangements.

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