Maha Ashtami Celebrated at Hadapsar’s Poona Bango Sanmilani Durga Puja; Free Bhog Prasad for All
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Hadapsar, 18th October 2026: The 24th Purbo Poona Sarbajanin Durgotsav, organised by Poona Bango Sanmilani in association with Puneshwari Kalibari Samiti, celebrated Maha Ashtami on Sunday at Corporation Ground, Bhosale Garden, Hadapsar, with traditional rituals and cultural programmes. The five-day festival, being held from October 17 to 21, welcomes people from all communities to participate in the celebrations.
One of the highlights of Durga Puja celebrations in Pune is the tradition of serving free bhog prasad to devotees and visitors at pandals. Along with free entry, the community meal offers people an opportunity to come together, seek the blessings of Goddess Durga and share the festive spirit without financial barriers.
Speaking about the celebrations, Saurav Bhowmik, President of Poona Bango Sanmilani, Hadapsar, invited Punekars to participate in the festivities and experience Bengali traditions.
“On behalf of Poona Bango Sanmilani, Hadapsar, we want to express our love and warmth to all Punekars through Punekar News. We welcome everyone to our 24th Purbo Poona Sarbajanin Durgotsav 2026. We invite everyone to visit our pandal, seek Maa Durga’s blessings, have bhog prasad and enjoy the cultural programmes,” Bhowmik said.
The celebration traces its traditions to the historical practice of Kathamo Puja, in which the wooden framework of Goddess Durga’s idol was worshipped before clay was applied to give the idol its final form. According to the organisers, this tradition evolved into the modern practice of Khuti Puja, which marks the beginning of pandal construction and symbolises the arrival of Durga Puja.
The festival features religious ceremonies, cultural performances, music and dance, creating an opportunity for visitors to experience Bengali heritage. The organisers said the pandal generally attracts approximately 7,000 visitors daily during the festival.
Vijaya Dashami, the concluding day of the celebrations, is particularly vibrant, with women dressed in traditional red-bordered white sarees participating in Sindoor Khela, a ritual involving the offering of vermilion to the Goddess and its exchange among married women. Dhunuchi Naach, a traditional Bengali dance performed with incense burners, and the rhythmic beats of the Bengali dhaak drums further add to the festive atmosphere.
Bhowmik encouraged residents to visit the pandal and experience the celebrations firsthand, extending an open invitation to families and visitors across Pune.
The festivities will continue until October 21, with the concluding celebrations featuring traditional rituals associated with Vijaya Dashami.
Venue: Corporation Ground, Bhosale Garden, Hadapsar, Pune
Dates: October 17–21, 2026
Organiser: Poona Bango Sanmilani, Hadapsar
President: Saurav Bhowmik
Entry is free, and bhog prasad is served free of charge to visitors.
