Mumbai: The Mukerji family’s iconic North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja kicked off this weekend with a mix of vibrant festivity and profound emotion, as cousins Kajol, Rani Mukerji, and Ayan Mukerji reunited to honor their cherished annual tradition.
The celebrations, which began with the ritual unveiling of the Goddess Durga idol, carried a particularly poignant significance this year as the family marked their first Durga Puja since the passing of veteran actor and filmmaker Deb Mukherjee—Ayan Mukerji’s father and uncle to Kajol and Rani—in March 2025. Deb Mukherjee was a driving force and the main organizer of the prestigious Puja for decades, and his absence was deeply felt by the entire clan.
An Emotional Reunion
Videos and photos from the event captured several heartfelt moments between the celebrity cousins, who have a long-standing tradition of attending the family Puja together.
- Tearful Embrace: A particularly touching clip that went viral showed Kajol, Rani Mukerji, and their sister Tanishaa Mukerji locked in a tight embrace, all visibly teary-eyed as they reflected on their recent family losses.
- Support for Ayan: Kajol also shared a warm, comforting hug with her cousin, filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, before the two posed together for photographs. Ayan, attending the festival for the first time without his father’s presence, looked solemn yet committed to the tradition.
- Kajol’s Heartfelt Note: Actress Kajol later took to social media to express her feelings, writing, “The unveiling… such an emotional moment… to step on the pandal after this past year and all our losses, somehow it was dearer and at the same time so tough to do… we miss them all.”
Carrying Forward a Legacy
Despite the sadness, the family emphasized their commitment to upholding their uncle’s vision. Tanishaa Mukerji confirmed the family’s resolve to carry forward his dream for the Puja to grow bigger and more inclusive each year.
For the festive gathering, the cousins showcased traditional style:
- Kajol looked elegant in a cream-toned silk saree paired with a vibrant red blouse.
- Rani Mukerji donned a graceful white saree featuring a striking black and red floral border.
- Ayan Mukerji kept his look classic and traditional in a white kurta-pyjama.
The North Bombay Durga Puja is a star-studded affair every year, and this year was no exception, with several other Bollywood personalities, including Jaya Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, and Priyanka Chopra, joining the Mukerji family for the ongoing celebrations. However, it was the raw, emotional reunion of Kajol, Rani, and Ayan that truly defined the spirit of togetherness and remembrance at this year’s family gathering.
