Welcome to the Bombay Durgabari Samiti
A Legacy of Tradition, Culture, and Compassion
The Bombay Durgabari Samiti, an esteemed 94-year-old cultural and charity institution, stands as a symbol of cultural heritage in the heart of Mumbai. Our cultural festivities, including the iconic Durga Puja, warmly welcome individuals from diverse communities to join in the celebrations.
Over the years, our Samiti has actively participated in various celebrations such as the Bengali New Year, Kabiguru’s Birth Anniversary, Sharodotsav, Kojagari Laxmi Puja, Deepavali, Saraswati Puja, and Basant Utsav, reflecting our commitment to unity and community enrichment.
The purpose of Bombay Durga Bari Samiti extends beyond festivities. At the core of the organization beats a compassionate heart. Bombay Durga Bari Samiti is dedicated to various causes—Charitable, Social, Educational, and Medical. Our driving force is a deep-seated desire to extend a helping hand to people in every conceivable way, embracing empathy and kindness as our guiding principles.
Here's A Glimpse of our Remarkable Journey
Our Genesis:
In 1930, under the leadership of Shib Chandra Bannerjee of Hindustan Construction and Shib Chandra of Bengal Lodge, the vision to recreate a Kolkata-like Durga Puja at Hindustan Compound, Sleater Road, came to life.
Our First Leadership:
Justice Khitish Chandra Sen assumed the role of the first President, supported by renowned freedom fighter Mr. Jagadish Chandra Moitra and Mr. Biharilal Das as Vice Presidents. Local support poured in, and traditions of Bengal found new life in Mumbai.
A Proud Milestone - 1954:
Marking 25th years of celebration, Dr. Gourinath Shastri led the Puja at Cross Maidan, filling the air with resonant slokas. This jubilant occasion also featured an extraordinary 11-days entertainment extravaganza, graced by luminaries including Vaijayanti Mala, Bismillah Khan, Sitara Devi, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Ravi Shankar, Sambhu Mitra & Tripti Mitra, and many more.
Registered and Recognized:
On June 29, 1959, the Samiti was registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and the Bombay Public Trust Act 1956, reflecting its expanding charitable and cultural activities.
Promoting Bengali Culture:
In January 1961, a literary conference on Rabindranath Tagore’s life and works featured Jawaharlal Nehru as the chief guest, highlighting the Samiti’s efforts to promote Bengali artand culture.
Venue Transitions:
The Samiti’s expanding community led to a series of venue changes, spanning from Sleater Road to Talmaki Wadi at S V P Road, Naranarayan temple at Kalbadevi, Rambaug, Azad Maidan,and finally to Cross Maidan. In 1971, Tejpal Hall at August Kranti Marg emerged as the iconicPuja destination.
Golden Jubilee:
In 1979, the Samiti celebrated its Golden Jubilee with fervent participation fromdiverse communities.
Diamond and Platinum Jubilees:
1989 marked the Diamond Jubilee, and 2004 brought the Platinum Jubilee, demonstrating the Samiti’s enduring legacy.
90 Glorious Years:
In 2019, we celebrated our 90th year with renewed enthusiasm. The Samiti has grown from strength to strength and has been keenly pursuing various philanthropic initiatives. In its 91st year, it continued to reach out to many more individuals in need.
94 Years of Tradition and Philanthropy:
In 2023, as we mark our 94th year, Bombay Durga Bari Samiti continues its unwavering commitment to preserving cultural heritage and advancing philanthropic initiatives. Our vibrant Durga Puja celebration, a cultural cornerstone, honours our heritage. Simultaneously, we persistently extend a helping hand to those in need, embodying our enduring commitment to making a positive impact in our community and beyond.