North Bombay Durga Puja

The North Bombay Durga Puja Samity is a Mumbai based non- profit organization, involved in various charitable causes through its members vast and distinguished member base.

The Trust was founded in 1948 by Mr. Shahdhar Mukherjee of Bombay Talkies, Mr. J. M. Bhadra and other family members and like-minded people of the Santacruz area. The founding committee consisted of 26 members, led by Mr. Sashdhar Mukherjee as its President.

Sashdhar, a Hindi films producer and a Padma Shri awardee, for his contributions in the fields of art and entertainment, was part of the distinguished Mukherjee clan of Bollywood, He is also described as the founder of Filmistan studios. The Trust organized its first Durga Puja at Street Mandal Hall, Poddar School Santacruz. In the early years Sri Ram Ghosal took the responsibility of Secretary till the year 1973 then Shri Ram Mukherji took over as secretary by Sanat Chakraborty and now Mr. Deb Mukherjee is holding the important portfolio. The event was a harbinger of similar events over the decades, which saw the Trust’s popularity growing spectacularly. Over the years, the Trust’s followers has expanded to over 25,000. Voluntary work by these members keeps the organization committed to its primary objectives.

It is wonderful to note that our committee believed in equal opportunities. This was borne by the fact that our Puja was managed by women only for a period of three years under the guidance of Late Smt. Sati Rani Mukherjee.

The purpose of North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja trust is to teach people how to follow modern culture and yet remain rooted to the Hindu traditions and values. It showcases the very best of Bengali culture, art, and entertainment in its own unique manner. The primary objectives of the Trust are to:

PROMOTE awareness of Bengali identity, its cultural and spiritual heritage.
ORGANIZE cultural programs and events involving Bengali and other Indian traditional and contemporary cultural activities.
ORGANIZE efforts to maintain and perpetuate Bengali and Indian culture among the youth of Indian origin during the process of their assimilation into the mainstream.
PROMOTE the belief in “Power of Sati” (Sati denotes the female form, as a symbol of female dynamism)
PARTICIPATE in charitable causes through voluntary work and fund raising.

Since its inception, the association has been promoting Bengali culture and awareness by hosting cultural programs throughout every year and celebrating prominent Bengali events such as Saraswati Puja, Paila Baishak, Rabindra Jayanti and Durga Puja.