Is Abhijeet Bhattacharya's Durgotsav the Ultimate Celebration of Unity?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 30th anniversary of the Lokhandwala Durgotsav signifies a rich legacy.
- The festival merges Bengali heritage with Mumbai's vibrant culture.
- Food stalls feature Kolkata's delicacies, enhancing the experience.
- It attracts devotees and visitors from across India and beyond.
- Abhijeet Bhattacharya's initiative has become a symbol of unity.
Mumbai, Sep 18 (NationPress) As the Durga Puja festivities approach their milestone 30th year, Bollywood playback artist Abhijeet Bhattacharya reflects on how an initiative that started in 1996 as one of Mumbai's grandest Durga Puja pandals has blossomed into a magnificent celebration that intertwines tradition, artistry, and generosity like never before.
Speaking to IANS, Abhijeet expressed, "Commemorating 30 years of the Lokhandwala Durgotsav fills me with immense pride and thankfulness. What started in 1996 has transformed into a magnificent festival that encapsulates our Bengali heritage and brings together people from all walks of life."
This year's 30th Lokhandwala Durgotsav will take place from Panchami, September 27 to October 2, 2025.
Under the guidance of the artist, this festival has been a gathering point for devotees from across India and beyond. In addition to its rituals, the pandal is famous for its vibrant food stalls offering the finest of Kolkata's delicacies in Mumbai.
Abhijeet finds it uplifting to see the festival gaining international recognition, with visitors traveling from various countries to immerse themselves in the celebration.
“To host countless devotees, fans, and Bollywood colleagues each year reminds me of our mission: to preserve our rich Bengali culture in the heart of Mumbai. Over the years, the Durgotsav has established a remarkable legacy of bringing people together, merging the spirit of Bengal with the dynamic essence of Mumbai,” he stated.
“I am profoundly grateful for the love and energy that people invest in this celebration. Here’s to 30 more years filled with dhaak, dhanuchi, and devotion!”
At 66, the playback singer has showcased his vocal talent across multiple languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Nepali, Tamil, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, and Odia, contributing to over 1000 films and recording an impressive 6050 songs.