Durga Puja is a festival that defines the city of Joy. It is a sentiment for all Bengalis. Also known as Sharadiya Utsav (“autumnal worship”), Sharodotsab (“festival of autumn”), Maha puja (“grand puja”), etc. Durga Puja in Kolkata takes place over a period of 10 days starting from Mahalaya. Mahalaya is also significant as Bengalis wake up at dawn to listen or watch the Mahishasura Mardini which is a programme that telecasts on both radio & television about how Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura- the demon, and it is the day that potters draw the eyes on the idols of Goddess Durga; the occasion is also known as Chokkhu Daan (drawing the eyes). The second day is known as Dwitiya, followed by Tritiya, Chothurthi, and Ponchomi the third, fourth and fifth day respectively.
The celebrations start from the sixth day known as Shashthi where the Goddess and her children are unveiled to the public and the pujas (worshipping ceremonies) begin. The main days of Durga Puja are Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami which are the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth day respectively. Durga Puja in Kolkata is celebrated not just of Goddess Durga but also along with her children, as per the Hindu mythology, which are Ganesh, Laxmi, Saraswati and Kartik.
Ahiritola Sarbojanin Durgotsav or Durga Puja
Ahiritola Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity is celebrating 80 years of their legacy and has been a famous pandal to visit during Durga Puja in Kolkata. It is in northern Kolkata and has uniquely themed pandal this year made out of terracotta and the pandal is themed on a Rajasthani palace. Visit their Facebook page for more details.
Address: 172/C, BK Paul Ave, Ahiritola, Beniatola, Kolkata, West Bengal-700005
How to get there: The nearest metro station is Shobhabazar metro, from Saptami to Dashami.
Chetla Agrani Club
Chetla Agrani Club this year is themed on multiple-coloured post boxes from traditional post boxes to modern ones. Traditional Dakbahak or postmen are sculpted out of clay and other materials with mages of everyday life in Kolkata drawn all over its body this Durga Puja.
Address: 14, Peary Mohan Roy Rd, Chetla, Kolkata, West Bengal-700027
How to get there: Depending on your starting point you can take a bus to New Durgapur Bridge a stop in front of Chetla Agrani Club pandal It is suggested to walk the distance as buses will not move in the crowd.
SreeBhumi Sporting Club Durga Puja
This year the SreeBhumi Sporting Club Durga Puja is adopting the Chandrayaan II theme for Durga Puja in Kolkata. Not just the moon mission but also the Balakot strikes many other important events in our country that took place this year.
Address: Canal Street, Sree Bhumi, Lake Town, Kolkata-700048
How to get there: You a take 46, 217A, L238, AC39 and many moe busses too ferry you to the pandal.
Deshapriya Park Durgotsav
Deshapriya Park is a must-visit if you are going pandal hopping in Kolkata. You must have come across many Durga Puja images of the park as it is famous in the neighbouring states and countries such as Bangladesh.
Address: Near lake Market, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029
How to get there: The nearest metro station is Kalighat which is also known as Rash Behari. You can take a bus from there and a few stoppages before Deshapriya Park you will have to get down and walk as there is a huge crowd.
Kashi Bose Lane
Kashi Bose Lane has unique concepts that they portray on their pandals every year during Durga Puja in Kolkata. It attracts many people and if you would like to visit the pandal it is suggested that you visit during the early hours to not stand in line.
Address: 5/1, Kashi Bose Ln, Manicktala, Darjipara, Kolkata, West Bengal-700006
How to get there: Nearest Metro is Shobhabazar thereafter you can alk it to the pandal.
Tridhara Sammilani Durga Puja
Tridhara Sammilani has beautifully carved idols each yeara and has some of the best-themed pandals in the city which attracts many from all over. Durga Puja 2019 is something you should be looking forward to.
Address: Near Deshapriya Park, Satyendranath Mazumder Sarani, Dover Terrace, Kolkata, West Bengal 700025
How to get there: Get off at Kalighat metro station and walk to the pandal. It is just a 10 minutes walk.
Badamtal Ashar Sangha
Badamtala Ashar Sangha did a New York-themed pandal in 2017 which has attracted many people from all over. It even had a very psychological theme last year which had a deep meaning. How to do Durga puja must be a question many people ask but if you witness a puja in a pandal.
Address: 5, Nepal Bhattacharjee St, Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700026
How to get there: This is located in Southern Kolkata and you can take a metro to J.D Park and get down there and either walk it or take a bus.
Muidiali Club
Muidiali Club had a fantasy-themed pandal in the year 2017 and in 2018 hey adopted a warrior princess theme for the goddess.
Address: Trail Path Beside Lake, Dhakuria, Rabindra Sarobar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700045
How to get there: The Nearest metro station is Kalighat and from there you can take an auto ride.
Santosh Mitra Square
Santosh Mitra Square is in Lebutala in north Kolkata and is famous for their traditional style puja. They had done a silver horse last year which attracted many. This year they are adorning the goddess with 20 Crore worth of gold.
Address: Natabar Dutta Row Road, Lebutala, Bowbazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700014
How to get there: Central is the nearest metro station from there you can take a bus to Lebutala.
Ekdalia Evergreen Park
Ekdalia Evergreen Park is known for its unique use of LED lighting and traditional themed idol. Durga Puja here is completely traditional-based.
Address: 15, Ekdalia Rd, Ekdalia, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
How to get there: It is situated in Ballygunge and you can take an auto from Hazra more.
Enjoy your Durga Pujo!
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