The annual Durga Puja celebrations of the Mukerji family in Mumbai were marked by a mix of joy and poignant remembrance this year. Actresses Kajol and Rani Mukerji, along with other family members, gathered at the North Bombay Durga Puja pandal on Saturday, September 27, 2025, to partake in the festivities. However, the absence of Deb Mukherjee, Kajol and Rani's uncle and Ayan Mukerji's father, who passed away in March 2025, was keenly felt.

The cousins, Kajol and Rani, reunited to continue their family's cherished Durga Puja tradition, signaling the commencement of the festive season. Tanishaa Mukerji, Kajol's sister, also joined them as they unveiled the first glimpse of the Goddess Durga idol at the pandal. The family members were seen embracing each other, visibly moved as they remembered Deb Mukherjee, who had been the key organizer of the Durga Puja pandal for many years. Kajol also shared a heartfelt hug with Ayan Mukerji.

For the occasion, Kajol looked elegant in a silk saree paired with a red blouse, while Rani chose a white saree with a black and red floral border. Ayan complemented the festive mood in a white kurta-pyjama.

Tanishaa Mukerji shared that the family was experiencing both sadness and excitement this year. She acknowledged that it was difficult for the family to celebrate without Deb Mukherjee, but they were committed to honoring his dream and carrying forward his legacy with strength and pride. Tanishaa revealed that Deb Mukherjee had always envisioned the Puja becoming more grand each year, with a strong emphasis on community service. In line with his wishes, the family is planning broader outreach this year, including distributing food to a larger number of people and amplifying the celebration through social media initiatives.

Rani Mukerji was a co-organiser for the family's Durga Puja in 2025. As the idol of Durga Maa was unveiled, with the Durga Devi Strotram 'Aigiri Nandini' playing in the background, Kajol and Rani joined their hands and bowed in devotion, visibly emotional.

Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Sharodotsava, is a Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasur. According to Hindu mythology, the goddess visits her earthly abode during this time to bless devotees. This year, the celebrations began on September 28 (Shashthi) and will conclude on October 2 (Vijayadashami).