Mumbai: Aamra Prabashi is all set to unveil the iconic Kedarnath Temple, replicated for Durgotsav 2024 at Hiranandani Estate, Thane. This year marks the 24th year of the socio-cultural association, which has earned a reputation for its larger-than-life celebrations and intricate themes, making it a must-visit location during the festive season. Durga Puja will be celebrated from October 8th to 13th this year and will be spread out over an impressive 1,60,000 sq ft area in the heart of Thane’s largest township, Hiranandani Estate. This makes it the lake city’s biggest Durga Puja Fest by scale.
This year Aamra Prabashi’s pandal is a replica of the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand, which holds profound significance as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, considered the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kedarnath is the first of the Panch Kedar temples, a group of five shrines dedicated to different parts of Shiva’s body.
Mumbai’s iconic Dura pandal
As the legend goes, the Pandavas wanted to atone for their sins after the Kurukshetra war and sought Lord Shiva. But Mahadev was in no mood to forgive them and hid in the form of a bull at Guptakashi. The Pandavas followed him there, but he disappeared into the earth, with only his hump being visible above the ground. The Pandavas then built the Kedarnath Temple at that spot. Over the years the temple has been restored several times with some historical accounts suggesting that 8th-century scholar Adi Shankaracharya played a pivotal role in its reconstruction.
Largest Durga Puja in Mumbai
In keeping with the design aesthetics, the pandal features an entrance porch (Ardha Mandap), which is the outermost part of the temple and serves as a gateway to the assembly hall (Mandap). The sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Griha), which houses the presiding deity is situated at the farthest end of the Mandap, where the puja ceremonies will be conducted. The external facade has been constructed to replicate the trademark grey stones of the 1200-year-old Kedarnath temple. The dimensions of the structure have also been aligned in a way that the ratio corresponds to the original edifice that has a height of 85 feet, length of 187 feet, and width of 80 feet.
With targeted footfalls of 40-45k, Aamra Prabashi’s Durgotsav 2024 will also showcase an exhaustive array of artefacts and epicurean offerings, synonymous with the ethos of Bengal.
Food stalls to explore at Aamra Prabashi
For gourmands, a large section of the bustling Pujo ground is dedicated to food stalls, which serve everything from quintessential Pujo fare to contemporary options. For three days of the Pujo (October 10th – 12th), a community lunch in the form of bhog prasad will be offered to all attendees. In addition to the gastronomic delights, the evenings will witness cultural programs featuring live performances by the illustrious Adriza Chakraborty, and Indian Idol 14 Finalist, Subhadeep Das Chowdhury.
In addition to these captivating performances, Aamra Prabashi Durgotsav will also host a diverse array of exhibits from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Chennai. Exciting activities for children of all ages have also been planned to ensure every member of the family is entertained.
A large section of the bustling Pujo ground is dedicated to food stalls, which tribute to the authentic and intrinsic flavours of Bengal. The menu celebrates a unique amalgamation of local ingredients along with ambrosial Bengali favourites. Unlike the overlapping Navaratri celebrations, Bengalis relish meat and fish during these 5 days, though some people also follow the tradition of eating vegetarian food only during Ashtami. Here are some must-try dishes that can be experienced at Aamra Prabashi Durgotsav 2024 –
Bhog Khichuri: For three days of the Pujo (October 10th – 13th), a community lunch in the form of bhog prasad will be offered to all attendees. This will comprise a special khichuri that is made with a rice variety called Gobindobhog, mung dal and served with a side of assorted fritters like beguni (brinjal fry) and a side dish called labda (a mish-mash of vegetables).
Luchi Aloor Dum/Cholar Dal: More popularly known as ‘poori’, these white fluffy deep-fried flatbreads are typically accompanied by baby potatoes in a creamy tomato gravy or a thick yellow lentil curry. This is the combination that is most popular during Maha Ashtami when several Bengalis abstain from meat and follow a sattvic diet.
Kathi Roll: More commonly referred to as the ‘roll,’ the Kathi roll is one of Bengal’s most popular street foods. A piping hot parantha is fried on a beaten egg till it turns golden, crunchy and flaky on the edges and then wrapped around grilled or cooked stuffing (egg, chicken, mutton) of your choice along with raw onions, chillies, hot sauce and a dash of seasonings.
Kosha Mangsho: Considered a Pujo staple by almost every Bengali, this rich aromatic mutton dish can be eaten with luchi or plain steamed rice or bhaat. The curry is characterized by a balance of sweet, spicy, and savoury flavours with tender pieces of meat and a rich gravy.
Bhaapa Maacher Paturi: This involves a steamed hilsa fish preparation in a mustard and poppy paste. The mustard marinade is steamed along with the fish in a banana leaf to retain the fish’s natural juices and flavours. The ideal accompaniment for this preparation is steamed white rice.
Daab Chingri: This is a traditional Bengali Delicacy involving Jumbo Prawns and is characterized by its rich, creamy texture and the subtle sweetness of the coconut. The prawns are cooked in a thick gravy made from coconut milk and spices. The mixture is then poured into a tender coconut shell and steamed or baked until the coconut is tender and the flavours have melded.
In addition to these quintessential Bengali dishes, popular Pujo fare like biryani, fish fry, cutlets of every kind (chicken, mutton, fish, prawn, crab), paratha and chicken chaap, to the more elaborate delicacies like mishti pulao (sweet rice dish), and more will also be available. Contemporary crowd-pulling options like momos, chowmein, kebabs, and chicken fry have also made it into the list of must-tries at Aamra Prabashi’s Durga Puja celebrations.
In addition to the enormous variety of non-vegetarian food, Aamra Prabashi’s Pujo also has much to offer for vegetarians, such as radhabollobhi- alur dom (baby potatoes in a creamy tomato gravy), motorshutir kochuri (puff pastries stuffed with green peas), mochar chop (tender banana flower), channar dalna, and more. In addition to savoury fare, authentic Bengali sweets of every kind will also be available at the Puja pandal.
This year marks the 24th year of the socio-cultural association that has a earned a reputation for its larger-than-life celebrations and intricate themes, making it a must-visit location during the festive season.
The Aamra Prabashi Durgaotsav 2024 in Thane brings a special touch to this year’s celebrations with a stunning replica of the Kedarnath Temple. The detailed recreation offers devotees a spiritual experience while honouring both Durga Puja and the sacred shrine. Read here for more details. Events Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
