Pune Gears Up for Its Biggest Durga Puja 2025 by Aagomoni Prabasi Sangha
Pashan, 19th September 2025: The spirit of Durga Puja is set to come alive in the city like never before, as Aagomoni Prabasi Sangha prepares to host Pune’s biggest celebration of the festival this year.
From September 27 to October 2, 2025, the six-day extravaganza will unfold at Gyandeep Mangal Karyalaya, Balaji Chowk, Pashan-Sus Road, promising a blend of devotion, culture, music, and food that is expected to draw more than two lakh visitors.
The highlight of the festival will be a grand 25-foot-wide and 14-foot-tall idol of Maa Durga, accompanied by idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, and Lord Kartikeya. “This year, we wanted to make the pandal not just a place of worship, but also a cultural destination where families can celebrate together,” said organizer Rajesh Burman.
Six Days of Festivities
The celebrations will begin on Saturday, September 27, with the arrival of Maa Durga at 11:30 am, marked by baran rituals performed by women members. The evening will open with Dandiya and Garba at 6:30 pm, accompanied by a live orchestra and DJ. At 7:30 pm, the much-awaited Anondomela—a Bengali homemade food festival—will begin, offering authentic flavors. The evening will culminate with the unveiling of the idol, Sandhya Aarti, and another round of Garba until 10:30 pm.
On Sunday, September 28, morning rituals will start at 9 am with Puja and Pushpanjali, continuing till 2 pm. The evening will once again bring the festive beats of Dandiya and Garba, interspersed with the Sandhya Aarti.
The cultural calendar intensifies on Monday, September 29 (Maha Saptami) with morning Puja and Pushpanjali, followed by a traditional Maha Bhog of khichri, mixed vegetables, begun bhaja, chutney, papad, and sweets between 1 pm and 3:30 pm. The evening will feature Sandhya Aarti at 7 pm, followed by a live performance by Kolkata playback singer Adrija Chakraborty and her team.
Tuesday, September 30 (Maha Ashtami) will witness the auspicious Sandhi Puja at 1:21 pm, with Balidan at 1:45 pm and conclusion at 2:09 pm. Devotees can partake in the Maha Ashtami Bhog until 4 pm. In the evening, Bollywood artist Vipin Sachdeva will perform with his troupe.
On Wednesday, October 1 (Maha Navami), rituals will include Puja, Pushpanjali, and Maha Yagna, followed by a festive Bhog featuring pulao, paneer matar, mixed bhaja, chutney, papad, and sweets. The evening will feature a performance by Sapna Awasthi, the renowned Bollywood singer of Chaiyya Chaiyya fame.
The grand finale on Thursday, October 2 (Maha Dashami) will see Sindur Khela at 11:30 am and a grand Visarjan Shobha Yatra at 3:30 pm. The celebrations will conclude with Shanti Jaal at the pandal from 7 pm to 9 pm.
Cultural and Culinary Attractions
The festival grounds are expected to accommodate large crowds, with a lawn capacity of 3,000 people and a hall that can hold 2,500 at a time, along with parking space for 700 cars. To counter the possibility of rain, organizers have arranged a backup plan to shift Dandiya indoors.
Adding to the festive charm will be 20 food stalls serving regional delicacies and 10 lifestyle stalls offering sarees, dress materials, Rajasthani jewelry, and handicrafts. Organizers estimate that more than 25,000 devotees will be served Bhog Prasad during the six days.
“Not Just a Festival, but an Experience”
“This Durga Puja is not only about rituals, but also about creating a holistic cultural experience for families,” said Rajesh Burman. “With live performances, authentic Bengali food, devotional activities, and community bonding, we want this event to bring people together and showcase the essence of Durga Puja.”
As one of Pune’s largest cultural gatherings, the Aagomoni Prabasi Sangha’s Durga Puja has become a landmark event for both Bengali communities and the wider city. With the blend of spirituality, entertainment, and tradition, the 2025 edition promises to be bigger and more memorable than ever.
