North Bombay Durga Puja, since its inception, has been one of the most iconic Durga Puja pandals in Mumbai. It was established exactly 80 years ago by the family of the veteran actor Rani Mukerji. This year, like last year, there will be a massive celebration, food fair, puja rituals, and much more. The most exciting part about the festival is perhaps its theme, which is the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala. That’s right, this year, the Pujo celebrations of the North Bombay Durga Puja will combine the regal South Indian temple architecture with traditional Bengali Durgotsav rituals, celebrity-led Bhog Seva, and air-conditioned royal comfort.
The Central Theme: Guruvayur Temple, Kerala, Architecture
Taking place at the SNDT University grounds in Juhu, this year’s Durga Puja pandal here replicates the classic wooden pillars, sloping gabled roofs, intricate Chuttambalam corridors, and traditional oil-lamp matrix, or the Deepastambham, of one of the most historic temples in Kerala, the Guruvayoor shrine.
This fusion of South Indian temple craftsmanship with traditional Bengali idols adorned in gold-trimmed embellishments is done in a fully eco-friendly manner. Everything is made from environmentally-friendly materials, from the handcrafted timber-style facades to the energy-efficient LED ambient lighting inside the grand AC dome.
Landmark 80th Year: The Mukerji Family Tradition
This annual pandal celebration was established in 1948 by Rani Mukerji’s paternal grandparents, Padmashri Sashadhar Mukerji, who also happened to be an award-winning filmmaker, and his wife, Satirani Mukerji. Today, the torch is carried forward by the entire family who head this event, including Samrat Mukerji, Rani Mukerji, Kajol, Tanishaa Mukerji, Shomu Mukherjee, and Sanjoy Mukerji.
The piece de résistance of this pandal, of course, is the signature, pristine 18-foot Ekchala idol of Maa Durga embellished with real gold jewelry, including the Gold Mukut and other ornaments. What makes this place even more special is that there is a legendary tradition where Bollywood stars personally serve hot, traditional Bhog such as Khichuri, Labra, Beguni, and Chutney to thousands of visiting devotees daily.
Also Read: Inside Vaishnavghata Patuli’s Underground Durga Puja Pandal: What The 2026 Theme Means
Event Details And Festival Schedule For 2026
Here are all of the important details about this event:
Mahalaya: Start of Devi Paksha, on Saturday, 10th of October, 2026
Maha Shashthi (Inauguration): Pandal opening and Bodhon rituals on Friday, 16th of October, 2026
Maha Saptami: Kola Bou Snan and morning Anjali on Saturday, 17th of October, 2026
Maha Ashtami: Pushpanjali and Sandhi Puja (10:51 AM IST) on Monday, 19th of October, 2026
Maha Navami: Grand Homa, Dhunuchi Nritya, and evening musical concert on Tuesday, 20th of October, 2026
Vijayadashami: Sindoor Khela and Bisarjan or Immersion on Wednesday, 21st of October, 2026
Tips For Visiting This Pandal
If you’re keen on avoiding crowds, make sure you visit during the early morning, between 7 AM and 11 AM. This will ensure a smooth Anjali and peaceful darshan before the evening celebrity rush hours. In addition to this, Juhu Tara Road is plagued with heavy traffic. Owing to this, taking the metro to the Western Express Highway (WEH) station or the D N Nagar station would be the more prudent choice.
You can also take the auto-rickshaw from the Vile Parle or Santacruz station. Lastly, it is very important to keep in mind that though photography is allowed in general areas, strict decorum and modesty are expected near the main garbhagriha or the sanctum sanctorum.
North Bombay Durga Puja: Location, Entry Rules, And Timings
Here are some helpful details about this event. If you want to partake in the Bhog, make sure you’re there between 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM. The bhog is open to all and is free for all.
Address: M-23, MR Society, Juhu Rd, MR Society, Daulat Nagar, SNDT University Ground, Juhu Tara Road, Santacruz (West) or Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
Timings: 7 AM to 1 AM
Bhog Timings: Free community Bhog distribution runs daily from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Cost of Entry: Completely free entry for all.
Also Read: Why Does Kolkata Celebrate Durga Puja For 5 Days? The Story Behind Sasthi To Dashami
Summing Up
The North Bombay Durga Puja is easily one of the most anticipated and legendary Durga Puja pandals in Mumbai. Each year, it witnesses a large number of celebrity footfall, from Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor to Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan. Last year, pictures and videos of this event went viral on social media such as X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram. A number of celebrities showed up, all decked out in their best attire. This year, too, it is hoped that the crowd will be similarly plentiful and blessed.
