North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Returns for Landmark 80th Edition with Guru Vayu Temple Theme

The North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti has announced the 80th edition of its annual celebration, scheduled to take place from October 16 to October 20, 2026, at the SNDT Grounds on Juhu Tara Road in Santacruz (West), Mumbai.

First established in 1948, the festival has grown into one of Mumbai's most widely attended cultural and religious gatherings, led for decades by the Mukherjee family. For its landmark 80th year, the main pandal will be designed as a grand architectural recreation of the historic Guru Vayu Temple in Kerala. The primary idol of Goddess Durga is being sculpted by master artisans from Kolkata, adhering strictly to traditional swaroop aesthetic guidelines.

The festival will retain its signature traditions, including the mechanical forklift positioning of the central idol during its arrival into the venue, as well as the daily serving of traditional Bengali bhog (featuring khichuri, chholar dal, and classic sweets) inside an air-conditioned dining facility.

This year's milestone holds significant emotional weight for the Mukherjee family and organizing committee, serving as the first major anniversary edition following the passing of senior family figures Rono Mukherjee, Debu Mukherjee, and Shibani Maulik. Senior organizer Samrat Mukerji reaffirmed the family's dedication to honoring the legacy of their predecessors while preserving the inclusive community spirit of the event.  

According to the Beni Madhab Shil Panjika, the formal ceremonial calendar for the 2026 festival begins with Mahalaya on October 10, followed by main rituals starting on Shashti (October 16) and culminating in Dashami (October 21). The broader festive period will continue through Lakshmi Puja on October 25 and conclude with Kali Puja on November 8, 2026.