Have you heard about 'Kumkum Archana' ritual? Read more about this unique Navratri tradition in South Mumbai

The Parel Vibhag Sarvajanik Navratri Utsav Mandal located at Kamgar Maidan in South Mumbai has completed a remarkable milestone of 75 years marking the occasion with grandeur tradition and deep devotionKnown as one of Mumbairsquos most iconic Devi pandals the mandal is especially renowned for its spiritual highlight the Kumkum Archana a unique oneday religious ceremony that draws hundreds of women each year20 years of faith and devotionFor over two decades the mandal has upheld the sacred tradition of Kumkum Archana a spiritual ritual where women of all ages come together carrying small idols of Goddess Durga and offer kumkum vermilion powder to her The ritual is conducted amid chants of 1000 names of the goddess by a priest This powerful and symbolic act of devotion has become a defining feature of the mandalrsquos Navratri celebrationsThe image captures the Kumkum Archana ritual the photo on the left shows the idol before the ritual while the one on the right shows the idol beautifully adorned with kumkum after the Archana PIC ANUSHREE GAIKWADThis year being the Amrit Mahotsav 75th anniversary celebrations the event saw an overwhelming participation of over 600 women making it the grandest celebration in the mandalrsquos history In the previous years around 300ndash350 women would typically attend this divine eventWomen performing the Kumkum archan ritual at Parelchi Devi Pandal in Mumbai PIC ANUSHREE GAIKWADDevotion beyond festivitiesThis celebration is not just about fun or food Its about true devotion to the goddess said the mandalrsquos Deputy Chairman Bharti PednekarldquoThe Kumkum Archana is planned months in advance The devotees had to book their slots in advance to participate in the ritual The first session was held at 11 am and the last continued until 5ndash6 pm The devotees had to pay a registration fee of Rs 251 For devotees who did not have a Devi idol the mandal provided them with one for Rs 401rdquo explained PednekarShe added that the eventrsquos growing popularity is a testament to the spiritual energy and unity the ritual brings to the communityDevotees share their experiencesDevotees who attended the event shared heartfelt testimonials about their spiritual experienceSushmita Jhondhalekar 49 has been taking part in the ritual for the past seven yearsSushmita Jhondhalekar Devotee PIC ANUSHREE GAIWKADSpeaking to middaycom Sushmita said ldquoThe festive spirit of Navratri is truly felt during this ceremony It brings me immense peace and joyrdquoShrutika Salvi PIC ANUSHREE GAIKWADAnother devotee Shrutika Salvi 28 who attended the Kumkum Archana ritual for the third consecutive year shared ldquoWatching so many women come together in devotion is truly special Itrsquos not just a ceremony ndash itrsquos about carrying our culture forward Even before marriage I made sure to attend this eventrdquoShruti Chowkidar PIC ANUSHREE GAIKWADShruti Chowkidar another devotee said ldquoIrsquove been attending for three years now The divine energy here is unlike anything else The entire experience is surreal and spiritually upliftingrdquoLeaders join in the celebrationsSeveral leaders from Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray attended the Kumkum Archana acknowledging both the religious and social significance of the eventShiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut receiving a bouquet from Shiv Sena leader Ajay Choudhari PIC ANUSHREE GAIKWADRajya Sabha Member of Parliament MP Sanjay Raut was among one of them ldquoThe 75thyear Amrut Mahotsav celebration at the Parel Shakha is a reflection of the immense support and faith women have in this mandal Even in heavy rain hundreds of women gathered for Kumkum Archana showing unwavering devotion Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray always empowered the lsquomahila aghadi womenrsquos alliance and that legacy continues With leaders like Arvind Sawant and Ajay Chaudhari and the lsquoNari Shakti women powerrsquo of Parel Shiv Senarsquos future remains strongrdquoShiv Sena leader and Lok Sabha MP Arvind Sawant PIC ANUSHREE GAIKWADLok Sabha MP Arvind Sawant also visited the mandal He said ldquoThe Parel Navratri Utsav Mandal is doing commendable work This mandal was established by Shiv Sena UBT and we are proud of its legacy The goddess here has always blessed our party from civic polls to Lok Sabha elections Party chief Uddhav Thackeray Worli legislator Aaditya Thackeray and even Balasaheb Thackeray have visited this pandal to seek blessings To us this Devi is like a divine motherrdquoSawant also reflected on the current situation in Maharashtra adding ldquoToday our state is facing unrest and division based on caste and religion It saddens me I pray to the goddess for peace unity and strength for MaharashtrardquoA celebration of faith and unityAs the Parel Vibhag Sarvajanik Navratri Utsav Mandal marks its diamond jubilee its continued focus on religious devotion cultural preservation and community unity stands as an inspiring example The overwhelming response to this yearrsquos Kumkum Archana ceremony proves that while times may change the essence of devotion remains timeless