Community and togetherness score high at Durga Puja pandals on Ashtami

Pune: The city witnessed a surge of devotees on the auspicious day of Ashtami on Friday.
Durga Puja pandals across the city, including popular ones — Khadki Kalibari, Congress Bhavan in Shivajinagar, and Rohi Villa in Koregaon Park — attracted large crowds eager to seek blessings of the goddess and immerse themselves in the festive spirit.
One of the highlights of the day was the gathering of over 180 members of Bengalis in Pune — a Facebook group — for pandal hopping across the city.The group, comprising probashi Bengalis (Bengalis living out of Bengal) travelled in six buses, visiting 10 pandals and stopping for bhog at Moshi. Arun Chakroborty, who runs the Facebook page, said, "Every year, we organise pandal hopping for our members. It is a great way to meet other Bengalis, discuss what they miss and what they don't, and have some brotherhood in the community."
The celebrations also took a unique turn at pet-friendly Aagomini Prabasi Sangha Pune's Durga Puja in Baner. Srishti Burman, a resident of NIBM Road, visited the pandal with her dog on Friday. "I was so happy that I took my little pup Max to the Pujo, and we both enjoyed. They have a special line for pet parents during the bhog distribution, and a small bhog was given to my pup as well. The phenomenal love and appreciation at this pet-friendly puja is amazing."
For many, visiting pandals during Durga Puja is a cherished tradition. A group of youngsters has been meeting every Ashtami at Congress Bhavan puja since their college days. Sayani Guha, an educational professional, said, "We have been coming here as a group since our college days, and every year on Ashtami, whoever from the group is in Pune makes it a point to come here for lunch. We have the bhog, we chit-chat and catch up. It is very important for us."
The day not only showcased the religious fervour but also highlighted the strong sense of community and togetherness that Durga Puja exemplifies.