Celebrating Mumbai's spirit at Times Powai Sarvajanin Durgotsav 2024

Mumbai is immersed in celebrating the festive spirit of Navratri and Durga Puja with fervour. This year’s Times Powai Sarvajanin Durgotsav 2024 is already a hit. Organized by the Powai Bengali Welfare Association (PBWA), this 19th edition is a fusion of tradition and modernity, celebrating both the powerful Goddess Durga and the vibrant spirit of of our city.
PBWA Chairman Sourav Mitra explains the vision behind the festive event this year, “At Times Powai Sarvajanin Durgotsav, we proudly celebrate an inclusive festival that unites all sections of society.Our commitment extends beyond tradition to sustainability, utilizing solar power for energy efficiency, and focusing on rainwater harvesting and tree planting. This blend of culture and eco-consciousness embodies our vision for a future where joy and responsibility coexist.”

The festivities that officially began with the sacred Khuti Puja on September 15, a traditional ritual marking the start of Durga Puja preparations is on till September 13. The Hiranandani Gardens area has been transformed into a cultural hub for this much-awaited event. The theme for this year, ‘Celebrating Mumbai’, honours the city’s rich history and contemporary energy.
With more than 1.5 million visitors expected to witness event, the organisers have gone all out to ensure everything is in order. There are many interesting events that will take place in the next few days.
The Natmancha at the Durga Puja grounds is grand replica of the Gateway of India, and the festival's layout features zones named after iconic Mumbai landmarks. The are over 30 food and handloom stalls, and a book fair showcasing multicultural fiction from various generations.
Road gates bear the names of the city’s famous landmarks, while vertical pillars have been designed to look like the city's iconic dabbas. Additionally, the festival's entrance features a security gate adorned with intricate Mumbai-themed motifs.
There are different zones all aroud the venue that will immerse visitors in the cultural essence of Mumbai, representing hotspots like Kala Ghoda, Flora Fountain, Jahangir Art Gallery, and Asiatic Society. This creative blend of Bengali traditions with Mumbai’s cosmopolitan charm offers a truly unique experience.
The auditorium, named after Mumbai’s famous Bollywood studios, offers a variety of food inclusing the popular and traditional vegetarina as well as non-vegetrain items. Visitors can also enjoy live performances by renowned artistes like Anupam Roy and Antara Mitra, alongside cultural programs and in-house productions of plays and choirs.