The Parel Vibhag Sarvajanik Navratri Utsav Mandal, located at Kamgar Maidan in South Mumbai, has completed a remarkable milestone of 75 years, marking the occasion with grandeur, tradition, and deep devotion.
Known as one of Mumbai’s most iconic Devi pandals, the mandal is especially renowned for its spiritual highlight, the Kumkum Archana, a unique one-day religious ceremony that draws hundreds of women each year.
20 years of faith and devotion
For over two decades, the mandal has upheld the sacred tradition of Kumkum Archana, a spiritual ritual where women of all ages come together carrying small idols of Goddess Durga and offer kumkum (vermilion powder) to her. The ritual is conducted amid chants of 1,000 names of the goddess by a priest. This powerful and symbolic act of devotion has become a defining feature of the mandal’s Navratri celebrations.The image captures the Kumkum Archana ritual; the photo on the left shows the idol before the ritual, while the one on the right shows the idol beautifully adorned with kumkum after the Archana. PIC/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD
This year, being the Amrit Mahotsav (75th anniversary) celebrations, the event saw an overwhelming participation of over 600 women, making it the grandest celebration in the mandal’s history. In the previous years, around 300–350 women would typically attend this divine event.Women performing the Kumkum archan ritual at Parelchi Devi Pandal in Mumbai. PIC ANUSHREE GAIKWAD
Devotion beyond festivities
“This celebration is not just about fun or food. It`s about true devotion to the goddess,” said the mandal’s Deputy Chairman Bharti Pednekar.
“The Kumkum Archana is planned months in advance. The devotees had to book their slots in advance to participate in the ritual. The first session was held at 11 am, and the last continued until 5–6 pm. The devotees had to pay a registration fee of Rs 251. For devotees who did not have a Devi idol, the mandal provided them with one for Rs 401,” explained Pednekar.
She added that the event’s growing popularity is a testament to the spiritual energy and unity the ritual brings to the community.
Devotees share their experiences
Devotees who attended the event shared heartfelt testimonials about their spiritual experience.
Sushmita Jhondhalekar (49) has been taking part in the ritual for the past seven years.Sushmita Jhondhalekar, Devotee. PIC/ ANUSHREE GAIWKAD
Speaking to mid-day.com, Sushmita said, “The festive spirit of Navratri is truly felt during this ceremony. It brings me immense peace and joy.”
Shrutika Salvi. PIC/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD
Another devotee, Shrutika Salvi (28), who attended the Kumkum Archana ritual for the third consecutive year, shared, “Watching so many women come together in devotion is truly special. It’s not just a ceremony – it’s about carrying our culture forward. Even before marriage, I made sure to attend this event.”
Shruti Chowkidar. PIC/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD
Shruti Chowkidar, another devotee, said, “I’ve been attending for three years now. The divine energy here is unlike anything else. The entire experience is surreal and spiritually uplifting.”
Leaders join in the celebrations
Several leaders from Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) attended the Kumkum Archana, acknowledging both the religious and social significance of the event.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut receiving a bouquet from Shiv Sena leader Ajay Choudhari. PIC/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD
Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Raut was among one of them. “The 75th-year Amrut Mahotsav celebration at the Parel Shakha is a reflection of the immense support and faith women have in this mandal. Even in heavy rain, hundreds of women gathered for Kumkum Archana, showing unwavering devotion. (Shiv Sena founder) Balasaheb Thackeray always empowered the ‘mahila aghadi (women’s alliance), and that legacy continues. With leaders like Arvind Sawant and Ajay Chaudhari, and the ‘Nari Shakti (women power)’ of Parel, Shiv Sena’s future remains strong.”
Shiv Sena leader and Lok Sabha MP Arvind Sawant. PIC ANUSHREE GAIKWAD
Lok Sabha MP Arvind Sawant also visited the mandal. He said, “The Parel Navratri Utsav Mandal is doing commendable work. This mandal was established by Shiv Sena (UBT), and we are proud of its legacy. The goddess here has always blessed our party, from civic polls to Lok Sabha elections. (Party chief) Uddhav Thackeray (Worli legislator), Aaditya Thackeray, and even Balasaheb Thackeray have visited this pandal to seek blessings. To us, this Devi is like a divine mother.”
Sawant also reflected on the current situation in Maharashtra, adding, “Today, our state is facing unrest and division based on caste and religion. It saddens me. I pray to the goddess for peace, unity, and strength for Maharashtra.”
A celebration of faith and unity
As the Parel Vibhag Sarvajanik Navratri Utsav Mandal marks its diamond jubilee, its continued focus on religious devotion, cultural preservation, and community unity stands as an inspiring example. The overwhelming response to this year’s Kumkum Archana ceremony proves that while times may change, the essence of devotion remains timeless.
