Nare Park Sarbojanin Durgotsav, East Parel

This puja surprised us. Pooh-poohing the claims of many organisers, this pandal at Parel has the tallest idol. Adorned with intricate designs, it wears a serene look. Modest in decoration and simple in style, the arrangement has homeliness written all over it.

Elderly Bengalis occupy chairs strewn across the venue and look at the Goddess with reverence as organisers announce the next day's events. Children run around spiritedly. At a distant corner, a group of people prepare for the evening bhog. Coming across so many middle-class Bengalis in Mumbai isn't easy. One does feel sorry leaving the pandal.