Adrija Roy met Rani Mukerji: Adrija Roy is a Bengali actress who recently moved to Mumbai to work in the Hindi serial Imlie. She met Rani Mukerji, a famous Bollywood star and the daughter-in-law of the Mukherjee family, at the North Bombay Durga Puja.
Adrija shared her experience of meeting Rani on social media and expressed her gratitude for her blessings. She also posted a picture of them standing in front of the goddess’s idol. Adrija wore a red and white saree, while Rani wore a yellow and green one. They both looked radiant and happy. You can see the picture here.
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Adrija and Rani had a friendly conversation at the puja mandap. They talked about their work, their love for Bengal, and their admiration for each other. Rani confessed that she did not get much time to watch serials, but wished Adrija all the best for her role as Imlie.
Adrija said that it was a big achievement for her to meet Rani and receive her good wishes. She also revealed that she was invited to the puja by Rani’s sister-in-law Jyoti Mukherjee, who is also her co-star in the serial Durga and Charu.
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Adrija could not join Rani for the bhog, as she was late to reach the puja mandap. However, she enjoyed dancing with Devika, the actress who played Mrs Chatterjee in the movie Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway.
This was Adrija’s first time celebrating Durga Puja outside Kolkata. She said that she missed her home, but also felt responsible for her work. She hoped to have a better puja next year.
You can read more about Adrija’s encounter with Rani from this article. You can also learn more about Adrija’s career and personal life from this article.
Adrija Roy met Rani Mukerji: How do people celebrate Durga Puja in Mumbai?
Durga Puja is a festival that celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. It is one of the most important festivals for Hindus, especially in Bengal, Assam, and other eastern states of India. However, Durga Puja is also celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in Mumbai, where many Bengalis and non-Bengalis participate in the festivities.
People celebrate Durga Puja in Mumbai by visiting various pandals or temporary structures that house the idols of the goddess and her children. The pandals are decorated with themes that reflect the culture, history, art, and social issues of Bengal and India. Some of the oldest and most iconic pandals in Mumbai are:
- North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja: This pandal was started in 1948 by the Mukherjee family, who are famous Bollywood personalities. The pandal attracts many celebrities and visitors who enjoy the cultural programs, Bhog (food offerings), and aarti (ritual of offering light). The pandal is located at Golden Tobacco Grounds in Vile Parle West.
- Bengal Club Shivaji Park Durga Puja: This pandal was established in 1922 and is one of the oldest in Mumbai. The pandal showcases the traditional and authentic style of Durga Puja, with rituals performed by priests from Bengal. The pandal also organizes various cultural events, such as music, dance, drama, and quiz. The pandal is located at Shivaji Park in Dadar West.
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- Lokhandwala Durgotsav: This pandal was started in 1996 by local Bengali families and is now led by the famous singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya. The pandal is known for its grand and innovative themes, such as a replica of the Taj Mahal, a temple made of terracotta, and a palace made of glass. The pandal also hosts celebrities and singers who perform live for the audience. The pandal is located at Lokhandwala Garden in Andheri West.
- Powai Sarvajanin Durgotsav: This pandal was founded in 2006 and is one of the most eco-friendly pandals in Mumbai. The pandal uses natural materials, such as bamboo, jute, clay, and paper to create the idols and decorations. The pandal also promotes social causes, such as education, health, and the environment. The pandal is located at Hiranandani Gardens in Powai.
- Ramakrishna Math and Mission Durga Puja: This pandal was initiated in 1935 by Swami Shivananda, a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The pandal follows the simple and spiritual style of Durga Puja, with minimal decorations and maximum devotion. The pandal also distributes prasad (sacred food) to the devotees and serves free meals to the poor. The pandal is located at Ramakrishna Math in Khar West.
These are some of the ways people celebrate Durga Puja in Mumbai. You can find more information about these and other pandals from this article or this article. You can also watch some videos of Bollywood stars celebrating Durga Puja here. I hope you enjoy this festival and receive the grace of Maa Durga. 🙏