Durga Puja: From ‘Puchka’ to Chandrayaan-3 theme, 5 unique pandals worth visiting

Here, we present five Durga Puja pandals that are truly worth a visit:

Puchka Theme (Behala Notun Dal Club): Behala Notun Dal Club’s Durga Puja pandal pays homage to one of Kolkata’s most beloved street foods — puchka (or as North Indians would call it golgappa). The spicy and sweet flavours of puchkas, are beautifully incorporated into the pandal’s decor, including the creative use of donas, or leaf-based plates. Located at Tala Park, this pandal offers a delightful fusion of food and festivity.

Harry Potter (Sodepur Nabin Sangha): Sodepur Nabin Sangha has transformed their Durga Puja pandal into a mesmerising work of art inspired by the enchanting world of Harry Potter. From the Hogwarts Express to the grand castle with its lofty peaks, every aspect of the fictitious school comes to life in this pandal. Step inside, and you’ll be surrounded by Harry Potter-themed installations and projections, complete with a massive Acromantula and Hogwarts robes.

Auto Rickshaw (Hazra Park Durgotsab): Hazra Park Durgotsab presents the theme “Teen Chakar Golpo” (the tale of three wheels), drawing inspiration from the hardworking auto-rickshaw drivers who navigate the bustling streets of Kolkata. This theme beautifully captures the essence of the city, where individuals skillfully balance multiple roles, while the dedicated auto-rickshaw drivers tirelessly serve as chauffeurs despite modest earnings.

A worker engaged in work as a community puja pandal where an auto rickshaw stand comes alive, on themed ‘Story of Three Wheels’ in Kolkata. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)

Chandrayaan-3 (Pallir Jubak Brinda Club): To honour the monumental victory of ISRO and celebrate India’s prowess in space exploration, North Kolkata’s Pallir Jubak Brinda Club created a massive replica of the Vikram Lander, which landed on the moon. The ground on which the pandal is constructed is to resemble the lunar surface, and Maa Durga will be seated on top of the Vikram Lander.

A Durga puja pandal themed on ISRO’s Chandrayaan mission, in Nadia. (PTI Photo)

Garden Chairs (Bosepukur Sitala Mandir): The committee at Bosepukur Sitala Mandir has creatively incorporated 12,000 garden chairs, primarily crafted from iron and considered obsolete, into their pandal at Hazra Park Durgotsab. The theme, ‘Ayojon’ (organise), celebrates the act of sitting while coordinating tasks. These once-forgotten chairs now take on new significance as they are reintroduced and placed near the idol of Maa Durga, adding a captivating touch to the overall celebration.

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