Sindoor Khela--sitaaron aur bhakton ka rang-barse Mela ! Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Tanishaa, Ayan Mukerji, Samrat, Sharbani Mukherji, Rupali Ganguly celebrate star-studded finale at 79th North Bombay Durga Puja 2025 !! By Sr. Journalist Chaitanya Padukone

On the grand finale tenth day ( Dussehra-Bijoyadashomi) marked by the star-studded Sindoor-Khela rang-barse revelry, it was a emotional scene of joyful cheers and tears. This was at the well-organized spectacular The North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja, Mumbai’s oldest and one of the largest Durga Pujas in the world, which had returned with grandeur and devotion from 28th September (Shoshti) to up to 2nd October (Dashami) 2025.  This was held at the Juhu SNDT spacious Campus grounds! 

What was highly commendable that driven by emotional and divine passion the next young generation comprising Ayan Mukherji, Samrat Mukherjee, Kajol, Rani Mukherji Tanishaa Mukerji,  Sharbani Mukherji, Reema Lahiri-Bansal, , Rego Bansal, Sujoy Mukerjee, Supriya Mukherjee, Raja Mukherji, Jyoti Mukerji, Mainak Chakraborty backed by senior Sanjoy Mukherjee ensured that the 'Durgotsav' divine show-must-go-on with bigger, better grandeur! Carrying forward the inspiring legacy of veteran driving-force pillars, especially 'late' Debu-da Mukherjee and 'late' Ronu-da Mukherjee, and also  'late' Shibani Maulik, who unfortunately passed away early this year.

Besides Kajol and Rani Mukherji, nearly 36 top stars and celebs had visited the Pandal for Darshan and Blessings including Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Tanujaa, Jaya Bachchan, Jackie Shroff, TV Superstar Rupali Ganguly, Rituparna Sengupta, Sumona Chakraborty, Nyrra Banerjee, Ishita Dutta, Vatsal Sheth, Yug Devgn and Nysa Devgan, Madhurima Nigam,  Anu Agarwal, Akanksha Puri, Genelia Deshmukh, singer Shilpa Rao, Urvashi Dholkaia, Nia Sharma  Debina Banerjee, Ashoke Pandit,  eminent TV shows and film producer Rashmi Sharma, Sai and Sharbani Deodhar and many others.

Since I ( Chaitanya ) am a staunch Maa Durga-bhakt, I was emotionally touched and felt blessed when ( "Anupama") TV superstar Rupali Ganguly   ( who knows me personally for past 30 plus years) stepped down from the ladder after performing her Maa Durga pujo-rituals. Then Rupali respectfully applied  sacred Sindoor on my face and forehead, as a sentimental gesture, since I am a senior film-journalist, who also knew her eminent film-maker father 'late' Anil-da Ganguly, very well.

Witnessed by over two lakh devotees every day, the Puja once again proved to be an unparalleled celebration of faith, festivity, cultural traditions and sacred heritage.

This year, the North Bombay Durga Puja pandal recreated the majestic aura of the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the world’s most revered shrines of Lord Shiva, symbolizing power, purity, and eternal faith. With intricate artistry and divine design, the pandal transported devotees into a spiritually immersive experience.

Renowned artisans from Kolkata had been specially commissioned to create the Maa Durga Protima. In keeping with tradition, the idol retained the authentic swaroop of Maa Durga, radiating divinity as it has for generations. In a unique tradition of North Bombay Puja, the Protima was forklifted into the pandal, marking the grandeur of the festivities.

North Bombay Puja continued to be perhaps the only Durga Puja in the world where bhog was served in a fully air-conditioned hall. Structured, organized, and deeply spiritual, the bhog included traditional delicacies like khichuri, chholar dal, and Bengali sweets, offering devotees an unparalleled experience of devotion and togetherness.

Each day of Navratri at North Bombay Puja highlighted a soulful connection with the nine forms of Maa Durga: Together, the nine days became a journey of faith, culminating in the victory of good over evil. Extensive authentic Bengali cuisine food stalls, cultural activities, and festive bazaars. The Inclusivity- Open to both Bengalis and non-Bengalis, offering darshan and a shared cultural celebration.

Samrat Mukerji said _ "North Bombay Durga Puja is a legacy, a major responsibility, and an emotion. Each year, we strive to create an experience that blends spirituality with tradition, while keeping alive the essence of our ancestors. This year, with the majestic recreation of the Pashupatinath Temple, we hoped devotees would feel a divine connection that transcended boundaries of religion and culture."

Sharbani Mukherji said _ "For our family, North Bombay Puja has always been about devotion, inclusivity, and togetherness. It was heartwarming to see people from all walks of life, Bengali and non-Bengali alike, come together to celebrate Maa Durga with faith and joy. The USP of our puja has always been that it is a ‘Gharua Puja (Family Puja),’ where all devotees become part of our puja family, participating in every activity, from serving bhog to helping during pushpanjali. This year’s Pashupatinath theme added a new spiritual dimension, reminding us of the eternal bond between devotees and divinity.”_ 

The 79th North Bombay Durga Puja 2025 stood as a cultural phenomenon, a spiritual experience, and a living legacy of the Mukherjee family. With divinity, heritage, and grandeur woven into every detail, it continued to be the ultimate destination for devotees and visitors alike.

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