Nerul: A Bengali village comes alive at Ramleela Maidan, Nerul West, as Aamra Prabasi Charitable Trust (APCT) celebrates its 34th Sarbojanin Durga Puja from October 16 to 20, blending traditional rituals, music, food and community spirit.

Inspired by Adi Yoga, this year’s celebrations feature a village-themed pandal and a traditional Sabeki idol, with artisans and decorators from Kolkata recreating Bengal’s festive ambience. The organisers expect over 4,000 visitors daily. A dedicated food zone serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian Bengali delicacies, free parking for over 150 cars and 32 CCTV cameras have been arranged for visitors’ convenience and safety.

“For 34 years, our puja has grown with the people of Navi Mumbai. Safety and convenience matter as much as celebration,” said Dr Sushanta Saha, chairman of APCT.

The cultural programme features Arfin Rana on Saptami (October 17), Anushka Patra on Ashtami (October 18), and Diya Roychowdhury and Soumadipta Mukherjee on Nabami (October 19). A live Baul Sangeet performance by an artiste from Birbhum, West Bengal, will add a traditional folk touch on Nabami afternoon. Community bhog and cultural programmes will further bring visitors together.

“We have brought the puja to life as it is celebrated in a Bengal village, with a Sabeki idol, Baul songs and authentic Bengali food,” said Rathin Paul, general secretary.

Sumit Chakrabarti, president of APCT, said the aim was to celebrate togetherness and tradition while welcoming people from all backgrounds. The festivities will conclude on Dashami (October 20) with Sindhoor Khela and immersion, celebrating Bengal’s cultural heritage and the community bonds the puja has nurtured over 34 years.