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If you’ve been acquainted with a Bengali, you would know that Durga Puja is not just another festival for us. In the community’s own language, it’s an emotion, woven with countless memories, stories, and traditions ingrained in the Bengali culture.
So when it’s finally that time of the year again, Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata get ready with their finest decor to light up the streets and hearts of the city. The 5-day festival, which begins on October 9 this year, is celebrated with huge fervor across West Bengal and by Bengali communities settled throughout India.
However, the Kolkata Durga Puja, as they say, is the grandest of all, with some unique and unusual themes every year and a massive line up of Bengali cuisine to woo revelers! Whether you are a tourist planning a visit to Kolkata during Durga Puja 2024, or a new resident in the city who is still figuring your way out, we are here to help.
In this article, you will find the top 10 Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, along with an area-wise list of other popular puja venues of the city, and answers to frequently asked questions on Kolkata Durga Puja.
Come on, let’s begin the virtual pandal tour.
Contents
Durga Puja 2024 Dates
| Event Names | Day | Dates |
| Maha Shashthi 2024 | Wedneday | October 9, 2024 |
| Maha Saptami 2024 | Thursday | October 10, 2024 |
| Maha Ashtami 2024 | Friday | October 11, 2024 |
| Maha Nabami 2024 | Saturday | October 12, 2024 |
| Vijaya Dashami 2024 | Sunday | October 13, 2024 |
Did You Know?
In 2021, Durga Puja achieved international acclaim when UNESCO recognized it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Planning to stay in Kolkata during Durga Puja? Book your stay from this list of the best hotels!
Top 10 Durga Puja Pandals In Kolkata
1. Bagbazar
As one of the oldest Durga Puja venues in Kolkata, Bagbazaar Sarbojanin Durgotsav is famous for showcasing our rich cultural heritage.
TWT Tip: One of the top attractions of Bagbazar Durga Puja is the Sindoor Khela on Vijaya Dashami. It sees the participation of a large number of women from the city.
Location: Baghbazar Sarbojonin Durgotsav – Google Maps
2. Santosh Mitra Square – Lebutala Park
One of the biggest Durga Puja in Kolkata, this pandal holds a history of more than 86 years.
Location: Santosh Mitra Square – Google Maps
Did You Know?
In 2022, the Santosh Mitra Square puja committee selected Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav as their theme to showcase landmarks like India Gate, Red Fort, and Parliament House.
3. Sreebhumi Sporting
Listed among the famous Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, the Sreebhumi Sporting Club puja committee caught everyone’s attention with the unique theme, the “Vatican City“, in 2022.
Location: Sreebhumi Durga Puja Pandal – Google Maps
4. Suruchi Sangha – New Alipore
One of the most famous Durga Puja pandals in South Kolkata, the Suruchi Sangha club authority had chosen Mati (soil) as their theme last year.
Location: Suruchi Sangha – Google Maps
Special Pet-Friendly Puja Pandal
A puja pandal in North Kolkata, called Bidhan Sarani Atlas Club, have been going beyond just allowing pets at their event. They organize food for the furry guests as well.
Book a guided pandal hopping tour for Durga Puja 2024!
5. Naktala Udayan Sangha
Among the best Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, Udayan Sangha Pandal took a stand against ragging, through its chosen theme last year, highlighting ways to eliminate this societal issue.
Location: Naktala Udayan Sangha club – Google Maps
6. Kumartuli Park
A famous Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata, the Kumartuli Park pandal’s theme for last year was “ambition.”
Location: Kumartuli Park – Google Maps
7. College Square
Another popular Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, College Square had the captivating theme of “Mysore Palace” last year.
Location: College Square – Google Maps
8. Maniktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty
With 79 years of tradition, the Maniktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty is among the best places to visit in Kolkata during Durga Puja.
Location: Maniktala Caltabagan Lohapatty – Google Maps
9. Ekdalia Evergreen Club
One of the best Durga Puja in South Kolkata, the Ekdalia Evergreen Club Durgotsab Samity represented “Jain Mandir” as the theme last year.
Location: Ekdalia Evergreen Club – Google Maps
10. Desapriya Park
Desapriya Park, one of the most famous Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, took its pandal theme to new heights last year. They constructed a sprawling replica of “Thailand’s White Temple,” spanning an impressive 1,200 square feet!
Location: Deshapriya Park Durga Puja Pandal – Google Maps
Area-Wise List Of Other Popular Durga Puja Pandals In Kolkata
| Famous Durga Puja in North Kolkata | Famous Durga Puja in South Kolkata | Famous Durga Puja in Central Kolkata | Famous Durga Puja in Saltlake, Kolkata |
| Hatibagan Sarbojanin Durgotsav | Mudiali Club | Gauri Bari Sarbojanin Durga Puja | AJ Block Durga Puja |
| Sovabazar Rajbari | Singhi Park, Gariahat | 14 Pally Udayan Sangha | BD Block Sarbojanin Durga Puja |
| Ahiritola Sarbojanin | Tridhara Sammilani | 37 Pally Sarbojanin Durgotsab | BJ Block Durga Puja |
| Jagat Mukherjee Park | Babubagan Sarbojanin | Central Calcutta Youth Association | BF Block Durga Puja |
| Telengabagan | Selimpur Pally Sarbojanin | Entally Matribhumi Durga Puja | Prafulla Kanan Sarbojanin Durga Puja |
| 31 Pally Sarbojanin | Maddox Square | Md. Ali Park Durga Puja | FD Block Durga Puja |
| Amherst St. Sarbojanin | Behala Natun Dol | 47 Pally Jubak Brinda | AK Block Durga Puja |
| Cossipore Shakti Sangha Durga Puja | Jodhpur Park | Wellington Nagarik Kalyan Samity | New Town Sarbojonin |
| Belgachia Sadharan Durgotsab | Badamtala Ashar Sangha | Entally Udayan Sangha | AE (Part-1) Durga Puja |
| Bandhudal Durgotsab | Chetla Argani Club | Entally Sen Villa Durga Puja | AE (Part-2) Durga Puja |
| Bagbazar Palli Puja O Pradarshani | Barisha Club Sarbojanin Durgotsab | Hedua Park Durga Puja | FE Block Durga Puja |
| Beadon St. Sarbojanin Durgotsab | Ballygunge Cultural Association | Kasi Bose Lane Durga Puja |
Ready for your 2024 durga puja pandal hopping? Reserve a guided tour now!
Frequently Asked Questions On Durga Puja In Kolkata
1. How do we celebrate Durga Puja in Kolkata?
The celebratory mode of Durga Puja in Kolkata kicks off even before Shashti. Durga Puja pandals welcome the public from the auspicious day of Mahalaya. So you can start your pandal hopping from October 9 itself. The focal points of the festivities include captivating decorations, intricate sculptures, vibrant pandals, dazzling lights, and a lively carnival.
2. What special vegetarian Bengali dishes can we find at the Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata?
You must try the highly nutritious yet delicious Mochar Chop (banana flower croquettes), Luchi Aloo Dom, Chowmein, Rosogulla and Malpua.
3. Which is the most expensive Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata?
It’s truly challenging to single out the most extravagant Durga Puja in Kolkata, considering the significant expenditures made by all puja committees. However, the Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja pandal is indeed the most expensive in all of Kolkata.
4. How many Durga Puja Pandals are there in Kolkata?
With 144 Municipal Wards under KMC, and assuming each ward has at least 35–40 pandals, the total figure reaches around 5,000 pandals approximately. In addition to these, there are thousands of community or complex celebrations in Kolkata during Durga Puja.
5. Which is the oldest Durga Puja in Kolkata?
The Durga Puja celebrated by the Sabarna Roy Choudhury Family is regarded as the oldest in Kolkata.
6. Can I see all the Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata in the 5 days of the festival?
It’s advisable to have a well-organized list of Durga Puja in Kolkata to navigate through the extensive celebrations. Without a proper plan, the vast array of festivities can become overwhelming.
7. Why is Durga Puja celebrated & what is its significance?
Durga Puja is celebrated to mark the Hindu goddess Durga’s conquest over the Asur Raj (demon king) Mahishasura. Aligning with Navratri, this 9-night festival, observed mainly in the northern and western states of India, emphasizes “Nari Shakti” (women power). In Kolkata, Mahalaya marks the beginning of the festival.
8. What are some quick sightseeing spots to cover in Kolkata in 2 days?
If you are planning to make a quick trip to Kolkata, some sites to cover would be Victoria Memorial, Raj Bhavan, Eco Park, Wax Museum, Dhakuria Lake, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Belur Math and Howrah Bridge.
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