Durga Puja in Kolkata is the grandest of all festivals celebrated in the capital city honour of Goddess Durga during the period of Navaratri. People come from across the state, and sometimes even the country and the world, to experience the creative outburst. Many traditional themes, contemporary socio-economic and ongoing political issues. The pandals in north Kolkata tend to be more traditional, while the ones in south Kolkata are more glam up and eye-catching. If you want to visit the idols less crowded, visit the pandal during the day.
Here are some of the best pandals to visit during Durga Puja in Kolkata most intriguing themes, which will leave you enchanted with the beauty and grace:
- Bagbazar
- Kumartuli Park
- College Square
- Sovabazar Rajbari
- Mohammad Ali Park
- Suruchi Sangha
- Santosh Mitra Square
- Badamtala Ashar Sangha
- Ballygunge Cultural Association
- Ekdalia Evergreen
1. Bagbazar
In North Kolkata along the river, Bagbazar Durga Puja is one of the oldest pujas in Kolkata that is more than a century old. one of Calcutta's oldest community Durga pujas that started in 1919. The Durga Puja performed in a traditional way along with simple decor that takes back one in time. On the last day of Durga puja, which is Dashami, married women perform a very special ritual, Sindoor Khela. People from across the city visit the pandal on this specific day to witness the ritual. A carnival takes place here during the Durgotsav when one can also enjoy various rides and eat to their heart’s content.
Location: North Kolkata, along the river in Bagbazar. Near the Bagbazar Launch Ghat and Bagbazar Kolkata Circular Railway Station. The closest Metro railway station is Shayambazar.
2. Kumartuli Park
As compared to other pandals in Kolkata, Kumartuli Park is still younger. Durga puja here started in the year 1995. The puja here is famous because Kumartuli is the place in particular where the majority of the Durga idols are made by professional clay modelers who have been in this business for many decades. You can expect here something unique every year.
Location: Beside the river at Kumartuli Park. The railway station nearby is the Sovabazar Metro.
3. College Square
Durga Puja here established in 1948, College Square is beside a lake; the whole area is illuminated for the festival. Understandably, the crowd flocks to this pandal to see the sparkling lights and their reflection on the water. A special Kumari Puja is also held there.
Location: Central Kolkata. 53 College Street. Near Kolkata University, off MG (Mahatma Gandhi) Road. The nearest railway stations are Mahatma Gandhi Road and Central Metro.
4. Sovabazar Rajbari
Raja Nabakrishna Deb of Shovabazar Rajbari celebrated Durga Puja for the first time in 1757 on a grand scale to celebrate the defeat of Nabab Siraj-Ud-Daulah by the British at the battle of Plassey. Here the traditional form of DashaBhuja in Ekchala is worshipped following the ancient rituals. Here non-Hindus were allowed to see a typically Hindu household celebration for the first time from the 'Nach Ghor' or dancing room situated along the exterior of the Rajbari. There are several things to do in Durga Puja, and among them, the most interesting is to witness the shehnai performance in the Shovabazar Rajbari to bring back the past glory during the five-day puja. Everyone is invited to this palace to manifestation Durga Puja.
Location: Sovabazar Metro station. Near the lal mandir.
5. Mohammad Ali Park
Durga puja pandal and idol in Mohammad Ali Park are one of a kind. The puja commenced in 1969 and people from across the city come to this park to see the Durga idol. This Durga Puja pandal is located in a large park. Each year they come up with some new themes.
Location: Central Kolkata
6. Suruchi Sangha
Suruchi Sangha craftsmanship is discerning for that reason entertains visitors with its arty outdoor display, which is usually themed on a different state of India each year. Although this Puja pandal is more than 50 years old, the pandal won an award in 2003 for being the best decorated pandal.
Location: South Kolkata, in New Alipore near the petrol pump on Nalini Rajan Avenue (close to the National Highway 117 intersection). The nearest railways stations are Majerhat and Kalighat.
7. Santosh Mitra Square
One of the biggest and most amazeballs pandals in Kolkata, Santosh Mitra Square was founded in 1936 as "Sealdah Sarbojanin Durgotsav" and renamed in 1996. Each year a different yet unique theme has kept Santosh Mitra Square one of the favorites among Puja hoppers in Kolkata. The Durga puja here rose to fame because of the outstanding artwork.
Location: Central Kolkata. The Metro Station nearby is Central.
8. Badamtala Ashar Sangha
Badamtala Ashar Sangha is known for the innovative themes it comes up with every year. The pandal even won the creative excellence award in 2010. It is one of the most visited pandals in Kolkata that witnesses numbers of visitors every year. You can expect to be scorched! Those themes will never let you down.
Location: South Kolkata. Nepal Bhattacharjee Street, Kalighat. Right near the Kalighat Metro railway station and Rash Bihari Avenue.
9. Ballygunge Cultural Association
Ballygunge Cultural Association Durga puja here started in the year 1951. It has traditional cultural programs but experiments with various art forms each year. The environmentally-friendly pandal has previously been made with bamboo, cane and steel.
Location: 57 Jatindas Road, Hemanta Mukherjee Sarani, Lake Terrace, Ballygunge.
10. Ekdalia Evergreen
Ekdalia Evergreen began in 1943 and has become well-known for its outstanding replicas of temples from all over India. The decor and lighting is superb. The pandal also has one of the tallest Durga idols in the city. Here you can expect the unexpected things.
Location: Gariahat. The railway stations at proximity include Ballygunge and Kalighat Metro.