1 / 11Durga Puja 2023 is here! This is the time for mass gatherings, celebrations, and lots of delicious food. From decking up in brand-new outfits to hanging up sparkling lights to attending religious ceremonies, Durga Puja has so much to offer. And, what better place to experience this larger-than-life festivity than its birthplace ‘Kolkata’! In fact, Durga Puja celebrations in the ‘City of Joy’ have earned a spot on UNESCO’s cultural heritage list thanks to their grandeur and historical significance. So, here are 10 Durga Puja pandals that you should not miss in Kolkata!
2 / 11Santosh Mitra Square: With over 80 years of experience, Santosh Mitra Square organises one of the best Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata. In 2017, the pandal became extremely popular after showcasing goddess Durga perched on a Buckingham Palace setting. (Image: Reuters, representational image)
3 / 11Bagbazar: Considered to be one of the oldest Durga Puja pandals in the city, this nearly 100-year-old venue is a favourite among locals. The simple decor and fun-filled carnival keep locals and visitors coming back each year. (Image: Reuters, representational image)
4 / 11College Square: Established in 1948, the square is situated near the bank of a lake. The Durga Puja idol situated here is almost 10 feet in height. The pandal itself will be covered in several glittering lights, which look ethereal in the backdrop of the lake. (Image: Reuters, representational image)
5 / 11Ballygunge Cultural Association Puja Pandal: The simple and traditional style of this pandal makes it popular amongst locals. The decorations here take you back to a bygone era that was all about devotion and love for the goddess Durga. (Image: Reuters, representational image)
6 / 11Kumartuli Park: A fusion of old-fashioned grandeur and art, the Kumartuli Park Durgotsav draws huge crowds from different parts of the city. The Goddess Durga idol here is around 12 feet in height. Interestingly, the sculptors of Kumartuli are known for exporting idols of Goddess Durga and other deities to countries such as Canada, the US, the UK, and Southeast Asia. (Image: Reuters, representational image)
7 / 11Dum Dum Park: Vibrant colours, abstract forms, and interesting themes form the basis for this pandal. The pandal committee is focused on showcasing colourful art while tackling wasteful expenditure. (Image: Reuters, representational image)
8 / 11Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja: Considered to be one of the most prestigious Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, it is known for showcasing replicas of monuments from all over the world. Dazzling and colourful lighting adorn the interiors of the pandal. This pandal has also won several awards in different categories. (Image: Reuters, representational image)
9 / 11Ekdalia Evergreen Club: Simplicity is at the forefront of this pandal’s interior and exterior decor. The pandal is renowned for replicating world heritage sites and ancient art forms. Interestingly, the pandal preserves an age-old form of the traditional Durga idol marking a distinct feature compared to other pandals in the city. (Image: Reuters, representational image)
10 / 11Suruchi Sangha: This 50-year-old pandal’s theme is centred on a different Indian state each year. The Durga idol is modeled on how it looks in each state. The pandal won awards for best-decorated pandal in both 2003 and 2009 for its exquisite artwork. (Image: Reuters, representational image)
11 / 11Jodhpur Park Puja Pandal: Yet another popular pandal in Kolkata, its themes vary each year with some celebrations focusing on tradition over style. However, so far, visitors have not been allowed to enter the hall where the idols are placed. Instead, the puja proceedings were showcased via livestreams to visitors. (Image: Reuters, representational image)
