Nine Mother Goddesses In Mumbai

Mumbai, India's bustling financial capital, is more than just a city of dreams and skyscrapers. It pulses with ancient history and deep spiritual roots, home to temples that have withstood the test of time.

Nine unique ways the Goddess is worshipped across India

Goddess Durga is considered to be a symbol of strength and empowerment. During the festival of Navratri, her nine forms are worshipped by her devotees. States across India uniquely celebrate the festival, showcasing their traditions and rituals. On Navratri 2024, we take a look at the nine ways the festival is celebrated across the country.

Delhi, Himachal and Punjab

West Bengal

Pujo is the biggest festival in West Bengal. The grand celebrations start on the sixth day with the Shashti celebrations, when Goddess Durga arrives at the pandals along with Goddesses Saraswati and Lakshmi as well as her sons Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. Elaborate idols of the Goddess are crafted and displayed in beautifully decorated pandals. Most of these pandals have a social theme to highlight issues of importance. The dhunachi dance to the beats of the dhak (drums). The immersion of idols in water at the end marks the culmination of the festival.

Nine popular garba celebrations in Mumbai

Navratri 2024 is around the corner. Garba and dandiya are indispensable parts of the celebration and reflect vibrancy and culture. Here are nine popular garba celebrations and events, that one can attend to dance and enjoy the festivities.

Map Borivali

Navratri Utsav with Falguni Pathak

This is one of the most famous Garba celebrations in the city, graced by the Garba queen Falgun Pathak. The 10-day-long event will be held at Late Shri Pramod Mahajan Sports Complex in Chikuwadi, Borivali West.

Map Borivali

Kora Kendra Navratri

Organised by Naidu Club, garba at Kora Kendra Ground, Borivali, is an apt place for both seasoned dancers and beginners. It is known for its extravagant celebrations.

Map Goregaon

Rangilo Re Navratri

Now bringing its sixth edition, Rangilo Re is an indoor, fully air-conditioned event held at NESCO Center, Mumbai. This year, Parthiv Gohil will be performing and joining the celebration.

Map Colaba

Raasleela Navratri

Held in the heart of South Bombay, along Gateway of India, at The Bombay Presidency Radio Club, this is one of the most celebrated garba events in the city. It features traditional Gujarati bands along with Hindi singers.

Map Borivali

Rang Raas Navratri

Featuring the celebrated singer Bhoomi Trivedi, this garba and dandiya celebration is happening at Balasaheb Thackeray Manoranjan Udyan in Borivali.

Map Thane

Raas Rang

One of the most famous garba celebrations in Kopri, Thane, Raas Rang features renowned performers from the industry. It is known for its cultural celebrations.

Map Worli

Dome Dandiya Nites

SVP Stadium in Worli is one of the most popular venues for cultural events like garba and dandiya. This year, the celebrations will be conducted from October 3-6.

Map Borivali

Navrang Navratri

This celebration is held indoors at an AC venue. This year, it will be held at Opal Convention Ground, Borivali and feature the renowned singer, Nilesh Thakkar.

Map Chembur

The Acres Club Dandiya Nite

Hosted by the lifestyle club, it will be held on October 11, the last day of Navratri. The celebrations here reflect tradition with live performers and folk dances.

Nine Forms Of Goddess

Shailaputri

Himavan's daughter Shailaputri is worshipped on the very first day of Navratri. Her name indicates that Putri of Shaila which means the daughter of the mountains.

Brahmancharni

Brahmancharni is referred to as a female student who resides in an Aashram alongside her Guru and other students. She is considered as the second avatar of Durga and is worshipped on the second day of Navratri.

Chandraghatna

The third among the nine Durgas is Chandraghatna. Being worshipped on the third day, her third eye is always open which indicates that she is ready to fight against the evil.

Kushmanda

Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day of the Navratri. It is believed that people worship her for bringing wealth, strength and improved health into their lives.

Skandamata

Many people are aware of Lord Ganesha's elder brother Kartikeya. His second name is Skanda. On the fifth day of the festival, Skandamata (Mother of Skanda) is worshipped to bring power and treasured in the life of people.

Maa Katyani

Maa Katyani is the sixth form of Navadurga. According to old scriptures, she was formed from the combined energies of the gods to defeat Mahishasura.

Kalaratri

The seventh form of Navadurga is Kalaratri. It is believed that she is the fiercest form among the Navadurgas. It is said that she is the destroyer of all demons and evil entities.

Mahagauri

Mahagauri is the eighth form among the nine. It is believed that she fulfills the desires of her devotees.

Siddhidhatri

Siddhidhatri is a revered form of the goddess Durga in Hindu mythology. She is often worshipped during the festival of Navaratri, where each day is dedicated to different aspects of the divine feminine.

Shailaputri

Himavan's daughter Shailaputri is worshipped on the very first day of Navratri. Her name indicates that Putri of Shaila which means the daughter of the mountains.

Brahmancharni

Chandraghatna

The third among the nine Durgas is Chandraghatna. Being worshipped on the third day, her third eye is always open which indicates that she is ready to fight against the evil.

Kushmanda

Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day of the Navratri. It is believed that people worship her for bringing wealth, strength and improved health into their lives.

Skandamata

Maa Katyani

Maa Katyani is the sixth form of Navadurga. According to old scriptures, she was formed from the combined energies of the gods to defeat Mahishasura.

Kalaratri

The seventh form of Navadurga is Kalaratri. It is believed that she is the fiercest form among the Navadurgas. It is said that she is the destroyer of all demons and evil entities.

Mahagauri

Mahagauri is the eighth form among the nine. It is believed that she fulfills the desires of her devotees.

Siddhidhatri

Nine Kali Puja Pandals you must visit In Mumbai, Thane & Navi Mumbai

Kali Puja is celebrated in different parts of India. While Goddess Kali is worshipped around different parts of the country, Mumbai being a cosmopolitan, sees a lot of people in its surrounding areas like Thane and Navi Mumbai also host pujas not only in their homes but also in community gatherings. These not only host Durga Puja but also Kali Puja. As more people go pandal hopping in the city with every passing year, you can tour different parts of the city to immerse yourself in the culture and tradition of devotees.

Here are nine Kali Puja pandals in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai you should know about:

Kali Puja at the Kalimata Mandir by Bengali Club in Shivaji Park, Dadar

While the club was established in 1922, it has been instrumental in hosting a Kali Puja every year and this year will be no different, as they have a dedicated Kalimata Mandir that was conducted below the banyan tree next to the Bengal Club's premises. Over the years, it has not only attracted members of the Bengali community but also non-Bengalis across Mumbai to come for the puja.

Kali Puja by the Sarvojanin Kali Puja Committee, Andheri West

It is not only in Dadar, but the Sarvojanin Kali Puja Committee in Andheri West also hosts an annual Kali Puja over two days at Jankibai Hall next to Bhavan's College.

Sri Sri Kali Puja by Thane Bengal Club, Thane West

Just like the Bangiya Parishad, the Thane Bengal Club will also be hosting a Sri Sri Kali Puja that usually starts in the evening by 8 pm and goes on into the night, starting with puja and ending with yagna.

Kali Puja at the Kali Bari Temple in Thane

Known to be one of the oldest Kali temples in Thane situated in Vartaknagar, it hosts the Kali Puja annually and this year will be no different, as devotees flock the premises to pray to the Goddess Kali on the last day of October this year.

Kali Puja at Ulwe Bongiyo Sanskritik Parishad

While these are some of Mumbai and Thane’s most popular pandals, even different parts of Navi Mumbai is hosting the Kali Puja. Devotees can also check with the Ulwe Bongiyo Sanskritik Parishad as they start putting out more details on their social media about the puja timings with only a month to go.

Maha Kali Puja by Bombay Kali Bari at the Chembur Club, Chembur East

The Bombay Kali Bari hosts the Maha Kali Puja at the Chembur Club in Chembur every year, and this year will be no different. Devotees can involve themselves in the singing devotional songs before the bhog later the same night.

Kali Puja at Bangiya Parishad in Thane West

The Bangiya Parishad, a social and cultural organisation, in Thane also hosts an annual Kali Puja, not only for the Bengalis in Mumbai but also devotees of Goddess Kali in the city.

Kali Puja at Kopar Khairane Bengali Association

As the Kopar Khairane Bengali Association gets ready to host Durga Puja, Mumbai devotees can also make their way for the Kali Puja, which is set to happen later in the month of October.

Kali Puja by the Navi Mumbai Bengali Association, Vashi

Established in 1981, the Navi Mumbai Bengali Association has been hosting Durga Puja and bringing together Bengalis in the city, and it will be no different for Kali Puja.