Durga Puja is Kolkata’s most cherished time of year. The City of Joy adorns itself in unparalleled splendour during this grandest of festivals, celebrating Devi Paksha and Nari Shakti. This year, the festivities commence with Mahalaya and culminate with Dashami, from October 8 (Panchami) to October 12 (Dashami).
While each year brings new idols and themes, the debate over which part of Kolkata boasts the best Durga Puja pandals continues. Some gravitate towards the modern, extravagant displays of South Kolkata, while others are drawn to the rich cultural heritage reflected in the pandals of North Kolkata, affectionately known as ‘Babu Kolkata’.
From the iconic Kumartuli Park and Shreebhumi Sporting in the North to the awe-inspiring Deshapriya Park and artistic Suruchi Sangha in the South, here is a list of top pandal recommendations in both parts of West Bengal’s beloved capital city.
5 MUST-VISIT NORTH KOLKATA PANDALS
Baghbazaar Sarbojanin
The iconic Bagbazar Sarbojanin Durga Puja is over 100 years old. Beginning sometime around the 1920s, this puja committee creates the same protima (idol), with no alteration in shape, colour, or texture, but regardless manages to maintain a loyal bunch of visitors.
Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin
Kumartuli is the potter’s hub of Kolkata. Almost all the idols of the renowned puja sites of Kolkata get their clay idols made and delivered by the Kumartuli artisans. Hatkhola’s Kumartuli Park is a pandal that must be on your list if you are visiting North Kolkata during Durga puja.
Shreebhumi Sporting Club
Funded by Trinamool Congress MLA Sujit Bose, Shreebhumi Sporting Club is one of the most popular puja pandals in Kolkata. Every year it is sure to bag several awards from best idol to best pandal. Either Ultadanga metro or a bus to Salt Lake can be taken to reach its nearest station.
Sovabazar Rajbari
As the name suggests, the Durga puja here takes place in a Rajbari (zamindari family residence). If you want to experience a bonedi bari (traditional Bengali household) puja celebration that goes on from generation to generation, Sovabazar Rajbari’s dhunuchi naach and the sindoor khela are unmissable.
Hatibagan Sarbojanin
If you are visiting Sovabazar, here’s another pandal around the area you can consider hopping. One of the oldest Durga pujas, Hatibagan Sarbojanin has been innovative in its festivities, starting from the use of AI in idol-making to offering cultural activity options to the spectators.
5 MUST-VISIT SOUTH KOLKATA PANDALS
Suruchi Sangha
Organized by TMC’s Aroop Biswas, Suruchi Sangha is an absolute crowd-puller and is renowned for its artsy and exquisite craftsmanship. This puja is 50 years old and chooses a different Indian state as its theme each year. It is located close to Majerhat and Kalighat railway stations.
Chetla Agrani
Established in 1958, this popular New Alipore Durga puja is led by Mayor Firhad Hakim. Chetla Agrani often uses the festivity as an opportunity to educate the masses on social issues. This year they have picked Ganga pollution as their theme. Last year, they showcased one’s struggle with fate through their pandal and idol.
Deshapriya Park
Kalighat’s Deshapriya Park has become Kolkata’s most-hyped puja in the last decade. With their 2015 record-breaking tallest idol in the world, their popularity skyrocketed. Organized by TMC’s Debasish Kumar, it is another of Kolkata’s pandals with political backing and crores of funding from bigshots.
Maddox Square
Founded in 2017, Maddox Square’s Durga puja has gained prominence rapidly. The puja area field is a youngsters’ favourite and is an adda (chatting) spot for college or school friends during the vibrant festivity. Visit Maddox to experience the cultural extravaganza of Bengal with delicious bhog.
Ekdalia Evergreen
Established in 1943, Ballygunge’s Ekdalia Evergreen is well-known for replicating different architecturally excellent temples from all over India. In 2012, the club won recognition for its replica of Vellore’s Golden Temple. They usually opt for traditional Durga idols with elaborate pandals, and exquisite decor and lighting.
While Durga puja pandal-hopping is a joyous experience, it can be quite tiring, owing to the heavy crowd and humid weather, and what better way to regain the lost energy than through food?
5 KOLKATA STREET FOODS TO TRY DURING DURGA PUJA
Phuchka
The Kolkata version of Golgappa or Panipuri, these crispy balls with potato fillings are found in every corner of the city. Enjoy a phuchka with tok jol (sour water) as you walk through the streets hopping pandals.
Kabiraji Cutlet
Kabiraji Cutlet is made by coating warps of deep-fried eggs around spicy minced meat or fish. If you are all in for crunchy snacks, this is a must-have savoury street food. Warning alert: You will crave more once you have one!
ALSO READ: Durga Puja Essentials: Celebrating with Grace and Tradition
Kolkata Biriyani
The one thing that makes Kolkata’s biriyani different from that in other parts of India is the presence of soft and delicious boiled potatoes. The spiced rice has a distinct flavour and is sure to be a filling meal at a reasonable price.
Luchi-Aloor Dum
Phulko luchi (fluffy puri) and aloor dum (steamed potato curry) are the favourite breakfast combo of most Bengali households. You can head to popular sweet shops Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick to taste the authentic Bengali cuisine.
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Kathi Roll
Kolkata is home to several of India’s oldest kathi roll shops. From egg rolls to kabab rolls, there are innumerable varieties to choose from. Being in the city and not trying kathi rolls is a great miss.
Try these delicacies and keep your stomach and heart full while exploring the city during the lively festival.
