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Your pandal hopping planner this Durga Puja
Across Maharashtra, guided Durga Puja tours offer visitors a chance to explore elaborate pandals, learn about Bengali traditions and meet fellow celebrants
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With the Durga Puja celebrations beginning today, it’s time to admire elaborate pandals, marvel at magnificent Maa Durga idols and indulge in delicious bhog. But if you’re looking for company to go pandal hopping, or simply want to meet new people along the way, several social groups across Maharashtra are organising guided tours.
Experiencing a blend of culture, music and food
Beyond visiting pandals, some guided tours weave in photography, food and cultural experiences, offering a closer look at the traditions behind the celebrations.
Deepali Sengupta, founder of Happy Feet Trails that organises guided pandal-hopping sessions in Mumbai, shares, “Our sessions let participants into the city’s vibrant Bengali community and its celebrations. The idea is to appreciate the artistry behind the idols and decorations and understand the cultural significance of the celebrations. The experience brings together culture, photography, food, music and community.”
When: October 17 to 20
Timing: Approximately 9.30am to 6.30pm
Price: ₹2,850 per person, per session
Contact: 9987957779
Discovering the stories behind pujo pandals
Pune-based heritage and cultural travel company Deccan Drifts is organising a pandal-hopping experience that takes participants to some of the state’s oldest Bengali Durga Puja celebrations.
“We will be visiting Shivaji Nagar, Khadki, KP & Parvati pandals in Pune. The plan is to experience pandals having historical significance and witness the grandest Durga Puja celebrations in the city.” shares founder and walk leader Randhir Jaya Naidu.
When: October 16 to 19
Timing: 7pm to 10pm
Price: ₹999 per session for Indians
An overnight pujo trail
For those who want to make a night of it, Durga Pujo Parikrama is organising an overnight bus journey covering pandals across Kandivali, Powai, Central Mumbai and South Mumbai.
Organiser Devyane Roy says, “Additional services include authentic Bengali dinner on the go. The experience also has Karaoke and storytelling related to the festival. What makes it even more exciting is this is an overnight bus journey, with pit stops at the best pandals.”
When: October 19
Timing: 8.30pm to 6am
Price: ₹1,600 without dinner; ₹2,000 with dinner
Contact: 7506601066
The pujo food trail
Durga Puja is as much about food as it is about pandal hopping. Here’s where to indulge in a festive feast across Mumbai:
Gourami, Powai
Dishes on offer include Bhetki Paturi, Kosha Mangsho, Chingri Malai, Kolkata Chicken Biryani, Mishti Doi, Payesh, Rosogolla and Sondesh.
When: October 17 and 18
Timing: 12pm-2pm, 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm
Price: ₹1,499 per person
Contact: 90026 00810
Public, Versova
The experience includes a menu of over 15 traditional Bengali delicacies served on banana leaves.
When: October 17 and 18
Timing: 12pm and 2pm
Price: ₹1,900 and ₹2,600 per person
Contact: 75066 40066
Oh! Calcutta, Vashi
Expect favourites such as Maacher Paturi, Luchi and Boder Payesh, among other delicacies.
When: October 17 to 21
Timing: 12.30pm-3.30pm and 7pm-11.30pm
Price: ₹1,570 per person for the buffet
Portico, Wakad
The menu features traditional Kolkata-inspired slow-cooked meats, seafood delicacies, coconut curries, and regional spices.
When: October 16 to 25
Timing: 7pm to 11pm
Price: ₹1,499
Contact: 78878 60779
Heshel, Maan Road
Mughlai favourites, festive biryanis and dishes like Bhetki Paturi and Prawn Kabiraji are part of the pujo celebration menu here
When: Throughout the month
Timing: 10am to 10pm
Price: ₹1,499
Contact: 70305 83282
Bengali sweets and food, Viman Nagar
The special Durga Puja thali here offers 10 items, including Aam Kasundi Diye, Maacher Paturi and Mishti
When: October 15 to 20
Timing: 11.30am to 11.30pm
Price: ₹1,300
Contact: 8446615757
