Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Oct 23: The Sri Durgambika Bhajana Mandali, established under the leadership of senior hotelier Padmakar Gambhir, grandly celebrated its 53rd annual Sharannavaratri festival at the MLA Hostel in Churchgate. Keeping with tradition, this year's festivities were held under the leadership of the Mandali's honorary president, prominent hotelier and owner of Ajanta Caterers, Jayarama B Shetty Inna.
Over the nine days of Navaratri, various religious rituals, including Gana Homa, were performed under the guidance of Vidwan Subramanya Bhat at the Sri Durgambika shrine. Daily poojas were offered to Sri Durgambika, Sri Mahakali Amma, and Sri Annappa Panjurli Daiva, accompanied by bhajans and Mangalarati.
The festival, which began with Ghatasthapane, concluded on Vijayadashami. The final day featured Kalasha pooja, bhajans, Maha Pooja, Prasada distribution, and Annasantarpane, culminating in a grand evening procession to Chowpatty for the Kalasha Visarjane.
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Suresh Narwekar visited the venue to offer prayers to the Goddess. He was felicitated on the occasion with a shawl and pooja prasada by honorary president Jayarama B Shetty Inna, president Harish S Khedekar, vice president Naveen K Shetty, and other office bearers.
The annual celebration witnessed the devout participation of hundreds of devotees, who sought the blessings of the deities. Mandali's honorary general secretary Suresh Shetty, treasurer Manikya Kotian, joint secretaries Chandra Mogaveera, Yogesh Putran, Madhava Mogaveera, and Yogesh Bangera, along with chief advisor Vitthal Sherigar Katapadi and committee members, were present.