September 20, 2025

Mumbai is all set for the sparkling festival of Sharadiya Navratra, which this year will last 10 days—from September 22 to October 2! Temples, public pandals, and homes are buzzing with excitement to welcome Goddess Durga through prayers and fasting. At the famous Mumbadevi temple, manager Hemant Jadhav shared the vibrant plans: "On the first day of Ashwin Navratri, the mandir will open at 5:30am with mangala aarti, then devotees can visit for darshan. The ghatsthapna ceremony will happen between 7-8am. Twenty-one priests will chant the Chandi Path every day. On Panchami (Sep 26), deepotsav will glow at 6pm. And Navami (Oct 1) features the big Chandi mahayagya from 10am to 5:30pm." City sarvajanik pandals have already started bringing in the gorgeous idols of Devi. Among them, the tallest idol this season is from Khetwadi Chi Aai—a towering 26-foot moorti! Its grand aagman procession is set for Sunday, Sep 21, starting at moortikar Arun Datte’s workshop. This giant idol aims to repeat the success of the magnificent Parelcha Maharaja created by Datte during Ganeshotsav. Over in Reay Road, dozens of inspiring idols will also arrive Sunday, lighting up the neighborhood. On the dance floor front, the suburbs are alive with garba rehearsals. Singer Falguni Pathak has shifted her famous event indoors to BKC, leaving her Borivli stronghold. But Borivli remains the dandia hotspot, hosting young tribal star Geeta Rabari at Kora Kendra ground no. 4. Not far away, a huge 1 lakh sq ft air-conditioned dome has been set up for singer Aishwarya Majmudar’s grand performance. For the Bengali community, Durga Puja celebrations begin on Shashti (Sep 28). The legendary Bengal Club marks its 90th festivity from Sep 27 at Shivaji Park. Senior member Joy Chakraborty explained, "Our festivity centres around the theme of Operation Sindoor. And it is not merely symbolic — it reflects the eternal spirit of Durga Pujo itself, where the good ultimately triumphs over evil." He added, "The pandal design showcases scenes of soldiers, tanks and missiles alongside the national flag, symbolizing courage, sacrifice and the protective spirit of Goddess Durga. The welcome arches are shaped like flames. Above the gateway, there are depictions of soldiers, tanks and fighter planes, with the Tricolour soaring over the scene." So, get ready Mumbai! With prayers, grand idols, thrilling garba nights, and inspiring themes, Sharadiya Navratra promises a festival bursting with devotion and joy.

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Tags: Sharadiya navratra, Durga puja, Mumbadevi temple, Garba, Falguni pathak, Bengali festivity,