The city of Kolkata celebrates Durga Puja with great joy every year. During this most magnificent event honouring Devi Paksha and Nari Shakti, the City of Joy adorns itself in unmatched magnificence. From October 8 (Panchami) to October 12 (Dashami), this year's celebrations start with Mahalaya and end with Dashami. If you are in the city of joy, then you cannot miss these beautiful Durga puja pandals!
Even though new deities and themes are introduced every year, the discussion about which area of Kolkata has the most impressive theme Durga pandal persists. While some are captivated by South Kolkata's contemporary and lavish Durga puja pandals, others are attracted to the North Kolkata Durga pandals, which are lovingly called 'Babu Kolkata', and their rich cultural past.
Here is a list of the best themed Durga puja pandal suggestions in both the north and south of West Bengal's renowned capital city- Kolkata!
Bagbazar
More than a century has passed since the first Bagbazar Sarbojanin Durga Puja. This puja committee has been making the same Protima (idol) since at least the 1920s, and despite not changing its form, colour, or texture, it still attracts a devoted following of worshippers. This is one of the most iconic Durga puja pandals in the city!
Kumartuli
Kumartuli is the centre of Kolkata's pottery community. The Kumartuli craftsmen make and distribute the clay idols for almost all of Kolkata's famous puja venues. If you happen to be in North Kolkata during Durga Puja, you absolutely must visit Hatkhola's Kumartuli Park, a Durga puja pandal that is truly the epitome of artistry!
AK Block, Salt Lake
Beautiful and environmentally conscious, Salt Lake's Rainwater Conservation Pandal is a must-see. A tranquil ambience is created by the pandal's lovely waterfall and verdant furnishings. Visitors may get into the festive mood with its one-of-a-kind soundtrack, which mimics the rhythmic rhythms of Pujor Dhaak via the soft sound of water dropping into different containers. It is truly one of the most creative Durga puja Pandals in 2024!
Shreebhumi
One of Kolkata's most famous Durga puja pandals, Shreebhumi Sporting Club, is supported by Trinamool Congress MLA Sujit Bose. From best idol to best pandal, it's certain to win many accolades every year. You may reach the closest station by using either the Ultadanga metro or a bus to Salt Lake. This year’s theme is the reverent Tirupati Temple.
Chetla- Varanasi Ghats
Visit the Chetla Agrani Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata to feel the spirit of Varanasi, the sacred city of Kashi. A Ganga Aarti and the mighty chanting of Har Har Mahadev are showcased in this piece. The pandal brings attention to the urgent problem of Ganga pollution by showcasing the famous Varanasi ghats.
The Rajbari Sovabazar
This Durga puja, as the name implies, is held in a zamindari family dwelling, or Rajbari. You must try the sindoor khela and dhunuchi naach at Sovabazar Rajbari if you are interested in experiencing a bonedi bari (traditional Bengali home) puja celebration that has been passed down through the generations.
_1728262854735_thumb_300.jpeg)
Hatibagan Sarbojanin
Another pandal close by Sovabazar that you may want to check out if you're in the vicinity. From hosting cultural activities for attendees to using artificial intelligence in idol-making, Hatibagan Sarbojanin, one of the oldest Durga pujas, has always been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to its celebrations.