Top Durga Puja Pandals in Kolkata

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Festivals are a vital part of Indian culture. While Maharashtra celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai and Pune on a grand scale, Kolkata is passionate about the Durgotsava. The grandeur of various Durga puja pandals in Kolkata clearly display its love for this festival. While the festival last for around ten days the last four days – Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami are celebrated with much grandeur.

The festival is also celebrated in other states of India with the same zeal and faith. There are Navratri and Garba events in Mumbai and Gujarat that happen during the same time. However, it is hard to argue that Kolkata remains the focus of this festival. The city transforms into a mega party venue capturing your attention with some charming decorations and innovative themes. This is the time when thousands of visitors from all over the country and even internationally visit Kolkata. The festival is celebrated on the same scale as Mumbai Ganesh mandals on the west coast of India.

How It All Started?

From the mythological viewpoint, Durga Puja is celebrated annually in the month of Ashwin which generally falls in September-October. The celebration commemorates the invocation of the Goddess Durga by Prince Rama before going to the war with Ravana.

Historically, the grand celebrations of Durga Puja started in the 16^th Century initiated by the local zamindars (landlords). However, those celebrations were not truly public and it was a family affair.

In 1790, twelve friends of Guptipara in Hoogly, West Bengal, collaborated and collected contributions from local residents to organize the first ‘Community Puja’ (baro-yaari). The word baro-yaari literally means ‘twelve friends’. In 1832, Raja Harinath of Cossimbazar brought the trend of baro-yaari to Kolkata.

Currently, the word baro-yaari is replaced with sarbojanin (all inclusive) transforming a private household festival open to the public. Today, there are more than 2000 Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata. This makes it very hard to visit them all in a limited time of ten days. However, you can visit some of the best Durga Puja pandals that provide the right experience.

Here are the top 5 Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata that you should not miss out.

Bagbazaar Sarbojanin Durgotsav

Also spelt as Baghbazaar, Bagbazaar is one of the must visit pandals in Kolkata. It offers a window into the rich Bengali culture and tradition. This Durga puja pandal remains one of the oldest Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata. It was organized by the people of the city and not inside a Zamindar’s house. The pandal was formed by the people that would contribute money until it shaped into a proper organization.

Over the years, Baghbazaar Sarbojanin Durgotsav group focuses on culture and tradition being the oldest pandal in the city. The pandal also comes up with various events that emphasize and display the rich Bengali culture, dance and art and craft that has been diminishing in the technology age.

How to Reach:

The pandal is located in North Kolkata near Bagbazaar Launch Ghat and Bagbazaar Kolkata Circular Railway Station. If you are using Metro railway you can get down at Shayambazar and you are just a couple of minutes away from this Durga Puja pandal.

College Square Sarbojanin Durgotsav

With more than 50 years of celebrations, College Square Sarbojanin Durgotsav has managed to be among the top Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata since the Independence of India. If you like grand scale decorations and themes this is the place to be. College Square has been attracting devotees and visitors here especially during night time for all the lights, colour and grandeur that is visible here during the Durga Puja days.

It also attracts a lot of visitors especially after evening so if you don’t want all the commotion and crowd you can visit it during the day time when the crowd factor is relatively low. The pandal committee also organizes various campaigns during the festival like blood donation camp, educational help for poor and needy children, and distribution of medicine for the needy.

How to Reach:

To get here you can use Boubazaar Crossing, Shyambazar or Hatibagan. If you are using Metro railway you can get down at Mahatma Gandhi Road or Central Metro.

Badamtala Ashar Sangha

With more than 75 years of heritage, Badamtala Ashar Sangha has gradually made a place in the hearts of many Bengalis that flock here every year to take a look at the Goddess Durga idol. Although they are not grand, sophisticated and fancy they still remain one of the biggest attractions that you just can’t afford to miss during Durga Puja ceremonies in the city.

The group believes that they have been able to make a place in the hearts of millions of devotees and visitors with the honesty, dedication and sincere efforts that they put up to bring forward the culture and tradition of West Bengal. The pandal has also won many awards and local recognition that makes it one of the top pandals in Kolkata. The pandal also organizes many other events like blood donation camp and sports events.

How to Reach:

This pandal is located in South Kolkata in Kalighat. It is right next to Kalighat Metro railway station and Rash Bihari Avenue.

Suruchi Sangha Durga Puja Club

Established in 1952, Suruchi Sangha has always been ahead in supporting sports and cultural activities across the city. While Suruchi Sangha has always concentrated on social messages and themes related to public awareness on various vices in the city, it actually got the fame only in 2003 when the pandal bagged the best-decorated pandal in Kolkata.

It won the same award again in 2009 with some exquisite artwork that can dazzle your mind. In 2012, Suruchi Sangha focused on Sea Pollution in Goa addressing other environmental problems in Goa. The pandal attracted a sea of crowd eagerly waiting outside to view it in real. The pandal concentrates on various social activities that happen here for all nine days.

How to Reach:

Located near New Alipore close to Nalini Rajan Avenue this pandal is in South Kolkata. If you are using the Metro get down at Majherhat or Kalighat whichever is closer to your destination.

Ekdalia Evergreen Durga Pujo Club

Although this one is the last on my list, I kept it to end my blog post in style. Ekdalia Evergreen Durga Pujo is a crowd-puller so you might see long serpentine queues that never end. So, what makes Ekdalia Evergreen Durga Pujo so popular? This pandal certainly is passionate about the festival and it reflects in the kind of artistry work they do.

Every year, Ekdalia Evergreen Club erects replicas of some of the popular temples across India. To make it better they use lighting to enhance the beauty of the hard work that is on display. The group also comes up with interesting Goddess Durga idols that attract devotees from all over West Bengal. So, when you are in Kolkata make sure that you do not miss out these pandals. They offer you a glimpse into the culture, tradition and the zest that surrounds West Bengal and particularly in Kolkata.

How to Reach

You can get down at the Kalighat Metro railway station and walk towards South Point School or Gariahat More. Ballugunge Junction is the closest railway station to this place.

Conclusion

Kolkata is known for its grand Durga Puja pandals that speak volumes about the local culture and traditions. Hence, you can always look for some great pandals that can elevate your pandal hopping experience. You can also treat yourself with some delicious Bengali street food and sweet dishes in Kolkata.  This can ensure that you have some great time as you become a part of this grand celebration in the City of Joy.

Tell us about your favourite Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata and what makes them so special.