We started Pandal hopping in Malad. Now everywhere in Mumbai we can see active state communities like- Bengali associations, Malayalee samajams etc. Here are the photos of pandal hopping…
MALAD DURGA PUJO- Google Maps
Glimpse into History
Ancient roots: Worship of Goddess Durga has ancient roots in Hindu traditions, particularly the Devi Mahatmya, where Durga defeats the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
Bengal’s zamindar families: The elaborate form of Durga Puja associated with Bengal developed particularly among wealthy zamindar and aristocratic families from around the 16th–18th centuries.
Baro-Bari Puja: Initially, Puja was largely a private family affair, organised by wealthy households. The celebration displayed the family’s wealth and social standing.
Rise of Barowari/Sarbojanin Puja: During the late 18th and especially 19th–20th centuries, community-organised Puja became increasingly popular. Instead of one family bearing the entire expense, local residents contributed collectively.
Freedom movement: During the colonial period, Durga Puja increasingly became a space for community gathering and cultural expression. Nationalist ideas were sometimes incorporated into the symbolism and celebrations.
Modern Kolkata Puja: In the 20th century, Puja transformed into the spectacular public festival seen today, with themed pandals, artistic idols, lighting, cultural programmes and competitions.
UNESCO recognition: In 2021, “Durga Puja in Kolkata” was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The central story
The festival celebrates Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, the buffalo demon.
Durga is traditionally depicted with ten arms, carrying weapons given to her by different gods. She rides a lion and defeats Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
Why is Bengali Durga Pujo different?
In Bengal, Durga is also portrayed as Uma, a daughter returning to her parental home.
This gives the festival a deeply emotional dimension:
Durga = daughter
Mahishasura = evil defeated
Puja = celebration + homecoming
This is why Bijoya Dashami can feel bittersweet—the goddess is bid farewell as she returns to her husband Shiva.
What makes modern Pujo unique?
Today’s Kolkata Puja combines:
Religion + public art + architecture + food + fashion + music + community
The pandal itself has become an artistic installation, with organisers creating elaborate temporary structures inspired by everything from Bengal’s traditional architecture to contemporary social issues.
Interesting fact
The famous Kolkata Durga Puja is not simply a centuries-old tradition that remained unchanged. It evolved from private aristocratic family worship → community Puja → today’s enormous public cultural festival.
“Durga Pujo began as worship, grew into a community tradition, and eventually became one of Bengal’s greatest expressions of art, culture and identity.”
