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30 Years of Devotion and Glamour: Abhijeet Bhattacharya Marks a Milestone with Lokhandwala Durgotsav As the country prepares to welcome the great Indian festival of Durga Puja, Mumbai comes alive with not only spiritual fervor but also vibrant cultural events, festive celebrations, delectable food, and moments of togetherness with loved ones. The Lokhandwala Durgotsav, one of the country’s most prominent Durga Puja celebrations, is all set to mark its 30th anniversary this year with unparalleled grandeur. Established in 1996 under the vision and leadership of acclaimed playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, the festival has grown from a cultural landmark in Mumbai to expanding across the country, and today, it enjoys international recognition as well. Over three decades, it has become one of India’s most iconic Durga Puja celebrations, renowned not only for its devotion and artistry but also for the dazzling presence of Bollywood celebrities, political leaders, dignitaries, business tycoons, and celebrated sportspersons, who gather alongside devotees to seek blessings and celebrate the spirit of Durga Puja. The 30th edition of the Lokhandwala Durgotsav will be held this year from Panchami, September 27 to October 2, 2025, at the Lokhandwala Durga Puja Ground in Andheri (West), Mumbai. Organized by iconic Bollywood singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, the festival has long been known to draw devotees from across the country and beyond. Each year, the celebrations transform Lokhandwala into a vibrant cultural hub where devotion and glamour come together in a unique blend. Famous for Abhijeet’s traditional dhaak and dhunuchi performances, the irresistible aroma of Bengali delicacies, and the intricate beauty of shola artistry, the Durgotsav has created an immersive festive experience that is both traditional and grand. Beyond the rituals and ceremonies, the pandal is equally celebrated for its bustling food stalls that bring the best of Kolkata’s delicacies to Mumbai. Reflecting on this milestone year, Abhijeet Bhattacharya shared, “Celebrating 30 years of the Lokhandwala Durgotsav is a moment of immense pride and gratitude for me. What began in 1996 as one of Mumbai’s largest Durga Puja pandals has grown into a grand festival that brings together tradition, artistry, and generosity on a scale once only dreamed of. It is heartening to see the festival and my pandal being spoken about not only across India but also beyond our borders, with people travelling from different countries to experience it. To welcome so many devotees, fans, and Bollywood friends each year reminds me why we started this: to keep our rich Bengali heritage alive in the heart of Mumbai. Over the years, the Durgotsav has built a unique legacy of uniting people, blending the essence of Bengal with the vibrancy of Mumbai. I feel deeply humbled by the love and energy people pour into this celebration, here’s to 30 more years of dhaak, dhunuchi, and devotion.” As the Lokhandwala Durgotsav enters its 30th edition from September 27 to October 2, 2025, the celebrations are set to reach new heights, promising to be bigger, brighter, and more memorable than ever before. This year, the festivities will feature not only traditional Bengali delicacies but also a wide variety of regional food stalls, showcasing flavors from across Bengal. Visitors can also look forward to exploring regional artisans’ creations, unique homegrown finds, and a grand trade fair and exhibition that celebrate the richness of cultural diversity. This landmark year is expected to attract an even larger turnout of devotees and celebrities, further reinforcing the festival’s legacy as a symbol of faith, festivity, and the vibrant cultural fabric of Mumbai.