Mumbai: Bengal Club to celebrate 88th Durga Puja by promoting organ donation

The Bengal Club’s Durga Puja pandal at Shivaji Park in Dadar on Friday. Pics/Prasun Choudhari

The 101-year-old Bengal Club at Shivaji Park in Dadar is all set to celebrate its 88th Durga Puja. The festival, to be held from October 19 to 24 on the park ground, promises to be a truly special celebration, encompassing not only cultural and artistic grandeur but also a strong social message.

This year, the pandal itself will have a Sheesh Mahal finish, a glass palace decorated with artificial diyas that will create a spellbinding display, making it one of the centres of attraction. "We believe in unity in diversity, making the celebration open for all cultures and communities across Mumbai," said Joy Chakraborty, spokesperson of the Bengal Club.

"The Maharashtra government has selected the club as the only Durga Puja in Mumbai for visitors across India. We are expecting a footfall of 10 lakh visitors during the six days of celebration, and the opening ceremony will be in a traditional style, making it possible for people all across Mumbai to experience Bengali culture," he added.

The centrepiece of this year's Durga Puja celebration is the grand pandal. Nilesh Chaudhary, the art director of the pandal, revealed, "We will be using 501 artificial diyas for the decoration of the interior parts of the pandal. The exterior, as well as the gates, will be based on an elephant theme decoration signifying strength and grace. The pandal itself will have a Sheesh Mahal finish, a palace made of glass, adorned with artificial diyas, creating a mesmerising spectacle. Currently, 80 to 90 workers are working daily across three to four warehouses to make this year's celebration a grand success."

One of the most remarkable features of this year's Durga Puja is the eco-friendly idol of Goddess Durga. Standing tall at 19 feet, it is set to become the tallest idol in Mumbai. What makes it even more special is the use of soil harvested from the banks of the Ganga. This eco-friendly approach ensures that the idol will dissolve in the sea upon immersion, leaving no environmental footprint.

Beyond the traditional rituals and decorations, the celebration extends to various art, cultural and other competitions. These events are open to both members and non-members of the club, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.

A craftsman inspects a sculpture at the Bengal Club's Durga Puja pandal in Shivaji Park, Dadar on Friday. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

The Bengal Club has also taken up the promotion of organ donation as a significant social cause, demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of society. The organising committee, along with the local community, eagerly awaits this grand event, inviting people from all walks of life to join in the festivities and support the cause of organ donation.

10,00,000
Expected footfall