Goddess Durga.
www.flickr.com user photographer_chirasree
You don't have to be in Kolkata to join in the Durga Puja celebrations. Mumbai has a large Bengali community, and Durga Puja is celebrated exuberantly there too. Of course, feasting on delicious Bengali cuisine is a huge part of the occasion.
Here are the best places to join in the Durga Puja festivities in Mumbai.
- Shivaji Park, Dadar (central Mumbai), next to the Shivaji statue. The Bengali Club always holds an impressive Durga Puja party. Into its 74th year this year, there's a 30 foot clay idol of Goddess Durga and all sorts of stalls selling everything from handicrafts to books. Food is served from 12.30 pm, and the evening worship is at 7.30 p.m.
- Lokhandwala Gardens, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri (western suburbs). A particularly lavish Durga Puja celebration, entertainment is provided by Bollywood playback singers. A sumptuous lunch is served at 12.30 p.m., and the evening worship takes place at 7.30 p.m.
- Gowalia Tank, Kemps Corner (south Mumbai, at the Tejpal Auditorium in front of August Kranti Maidan. Into its 80th year, this puja has the honor of being the oldest in the city. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, including Odissi dance, and Bengali song and drama. Food is served at 12.30 p.m., and worship is at 7 p.m.
- DN Nagar ground, opposite DN Nagar Police Station, Andheri Link Road, Andheri (western suburbs). This is a new Durga Puja celebration, with a 22 foot high idol. There's also a huge food court, and stalls selling traditional handicrafts and saris. Evening worship from 7.30 p.m.
- Ramakrishna Math, 12 Road, Khar West (western suburbs). Visit this Durga Puja for something a little out of the ordinary -- singing monks! Evening worship starts at 7.15 p.m.
For a glimpse of some Durga idols that were worshipped during Durga Puja 2009 in Mumbai, click here.