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. 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.
Price: ₹ 2,850 per person, per session 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. Price: ₹ 999 per session for Indians Organiser Devyane Roy says, “Additional services include authentic Bengali dinner on the go. Price: ₹ 1,600 without dinner; ₹ 2,000 with dinner
