Durga Puja 2024 in Kolkata: Pandals, Idols, and Festive Spirit

Durga Puja in Kolkata is not just a religious festival, it’s a mahotsav (grand celebration) that bursts into life with an energy that is absolutely bhishon bhalo (incredibly good)!

For five days, the city transforms into an extravagant open-air art gallery, where every street corner is adorned with awe-inspiring pandals (temporary structures) that are nothing short of architectural masterpieces.

It’s a spectacle that blends art, devotion, and sheer enthusiasm, where the lines between spirituality and festivity blur into something magical.

The para (neighborhood) pandals aren’t just places to offer prayers; they are a canvas for some of the most creative minds in the city to showcase their shilpo (art).

Each year, artisans craft mesmerizing idols of Ma Durga with intricate detailing, and the themes range from traditional to absolutely hatke (unique).

You might stumble upon a pandal modeled after the Vatican City one moment and the next, be gazing up at a majestic replica of the Tirupati Balaji Temple.

Feeling the Pulse of the City

If you plan to immerse yourself in the ustav er mongol (auspicious festival) of 2024, you’ll find that the energy is downright contagious.

Every naka (corner) you turn will have something to make you say, "Ki shundor!" (How beautiful!). From the moment you step out for pandal hopping, you’ll hear the beats of dhaak (traditional drums) and the chanting of Dhaker saaj filling the air, with crowds swaying and dancing in joyful abandon.

The city pulsates with life, as people from all walks of life "boro theke chhoto" (young to old) - come together to celebrate.

Bengali Spirit: From Sweets to Adda

You cannot experience Durga Puja without indulging in Kolkata’s famed street food. After you’ve marveled at the spectacular artistry of the pandals, head to a local stall for some piping hot phuchka, egg roll, or a plate of kosha mangsho (spiced mutton curry) with luchi.

Pair that with a cup of cha (tea), and you’re all set for a round of adda (chit-chat) with friends - an essential part of the Puja experience!

Durga Puja is all about sharing moments, so don't forget to take part in the cultural programs that light up the evenings.

From dhunuchi naach (incense dance) to sindoor khela (vermillion play) on Dashami, the rituals are joyous and deeply rooted in tradition, yet carried out with an unspoken grace that will make you fall in love with Kolkata’s festive charm.

Be Ready for Surprises!

And the best part? You never know what kind of marvels you’ll encounter next! Maybe a pandal shaped like a spaceship, or one made entirely out of recycled materials.

The creativity is simply unmatched, and it’s bound to leave you gasping, "Ki kore korlo?" (How did they do that?).

So, wear your most comfortable shoes, grab your camera, and get ready for an apon (familiar) yet extraordinary adventure through Kolkata’s Durga Puja.

You’ll leave with a heart full of memories, a phone full of pictures, and a deep respect for the city’s undying spirit of devotion, culture, and bhojona (feasting)!

Here’s a guide to eight must-visit pandals that will make your Durga Puja experience unforgettable!

1. Sreebhumi Sporting Club

Known for its massive recreations, Sreebhumi Sporting Club, located in Lake Town, is a crowd-puller every year.

For 2024, they are building a replica of the Tirupati Balaji Temple, a towering structure that stretches over 100 feet, decorated with intricate motifs depicting Balaji.

Visitors exclaim "Ki sundor!" (How beautiful!) when they witness such breathtaking craftsmanship.

Over the years, this pandal has gained fame for its stunning recreations of international landmarks, and 2024 promises another spectacle with its larger-than-life vision​

• Location: Lake Town

• Highlights: Renowned for its larger-than-life replicas of world landmarks, Sreebhumi Sporting Club is all set to awe visitors with a stunning replica of Tirupati Balaji Temple this year. Previous years have seen the Burj Khalifa and Vatican City come alive here, so you can expect something equally spectacular in 2024.

• Things to Do:

  • Participate in the grand pushpanjali (flower offering) during Ashtami, and don’t forget to enjoy some phuchkas (pani puri) nearby.

  • The sight of the beautifully adorned Durga idol against this backdrop is something you won’t want to miss.

2. Santosh Mitra Square

In the heart of Bowbazar, Santosh Mitra Square is set to amaze once again with its recreation of The Sphere of Las Vegas.

This futuristic dome, combined with an 11-D light and sound show, promises an immersive experience of divinity and nature, viewed from 11 different angles.

Bengalis visiting the pandal often remark, "Eto bhalo!" (So good!), as they witness the fusion of technology and devotion.

With its previous themes such as Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Santosh Mitra Square has carved out a reputation for pushing creative boundaries

• Location: Bowbazar

• Highlights: This year’s theme is the Sphere of Las Vegas, promising a dazzling fusion of light and architecture. Expect larger-than-life decorations and a high-tech 11-D experience that presents Ma Durga in a futuristic avatar. The pandal is sure to be a crowd-puller, as it always stands out for its bold, innovative themes.

• Things to Do:

  • Witness the light and sound show that elevates the mood of the pandal.

  • Afterwards, take a stroll around the vibrant streets of Bowbazar and grab some delicious rosogolla and sandesh.

3. Bagbazar Sarbojanin

Rich in history and tradition, Bagbazar Sarbojanin, which has been around for over a century, remains a classic favorite.

The traditional ek chala daaker saaj (one-frame idol with silver foil decorations) creates an atmosphere that evokes the phrase "Shaarer modhye sundar" (Beautiful within simplicity).

Devotees gather for the iconic dhunuchi nach (incense dance), a traditional dance performed with incense burners, making it a timeless must-visit pandal for those who cherish heritage

• Location: Bagbazar, North Kolkata

• Highlights: Bagbazar’s century-old pandal is the epitome of old-world charm. With its focus on a traditional ek chala daaker saaj (idol and backdrop in one structure), the pandal creates an atmosphere of deep spirituality and nostalgia for the city's rich cultural heritage.

• Things to Do:

  • Attend the sindoor khela (vermillion play) on Dashami, when women offer vermillion to Ma Durga and each other, celebrating the feminine energy.

  • Take a leisurely walk to Bagbazar Ghat for a peaceful view of the Ganges.

4. College Square

For those who want to experience the magic of light and water, College Square offers a mesmerizing combination of artistic brilliance and natural beauty.

This year’s theme focuses on a detailed recreation of the Swiss Parliament House, enhanced by a laser light show reflecting off the waters of the adjacent lake.

The grandeur of College Square pandal makes visitors exclaim "Mon bhore gelo" (It filled my heart).

Year after year, College Square stuns visitors with its thematic spectacles.

• Location: College Street

• Highlights: One of the most beautiful pandals in Kolkata, College Square’s main attraction is the reflection of the entire structure and the Durga idol in the lake. This year’s theme draws inspiration from the Swiss Parliament House, combining European architecture with traditional Bengali elements.

• Things to Do:

  • Visit the pandal at night to see the stunning lighting play on the water.

  • If you’re a book lover, take a detour to the College Street book market and pick up a classic Bengali novel.

"College Square er jole’r bhitor Ma Durga ke dekha ekta annyo anubhuti!" (Seeing Ma Durga reflected in the waters of College Square is a unique experience!)

5. Maddox Square

Maddox Square in Ballygunge is where people gather not just for the pandal but for the atmosphere.

This iconic venue has become synonymous with adda (social gatherings) where families, youngsters, and groups of friends indulge in conversations while soaking in the festive spirit.

The vibe here, full of laughter and community spirit, makes it a favorite for locals, who often say "Bhalo lagche khub" (I'm really enjoying it) as they revel in the joy of Durga Puja.

The open-air setup combined with traditional themes provides a truly nostalgic experience​

• Location: Ballygunge

• Highlights: Maddox Square is not just a pandal, it’s a hub of social gatherings. The open-air venue is perfect for families and friends to gather, making it one of the most popular spots for Durga Puja. Expect traditional rituals like the lively dhunuchi nach (incense dance) that fill the air with joy and celebration.

• Things to Do:

  • Join in the festive chatter with locals, and don’t forget to indulge in some telebhaja (fried fritters) while soaking in the cultural atmosphere.

  • If you’re looking for an authentic yet relaxed Puja experience, Maddox Square is the place to be.

6. Kumartuli Sarbojanin

The potters’ colony of Kumartuli is not just the birthplace of idols but also the hub of socially relevant pandals.

This year, Kumartuli Sarbojanin is set to highlight the struggles of Indian farmers with a theme titled Khudha (hunger).

Through the use of agricultural tools and symbolic installations, the pandal will remind visitors of the phrase "Manusher modhye bhagoban" (God lives within people), highlighting the plight of farmers and urging reflection.

The emotional weight behind these socially aware themes draws visitors every year​

• Location: Kumartuli, North Kolkata

• Highlights: Kumartuli, the city’s potter’s quarter, is where the magic of Durga idols begins. The Kumartuli Sarbojanin pandal takes you back to the roots of this artistry. This year’s theme, Khudha (hunger), highlights the struggles of India’s farmers, creating a powerful visual narrative through rural motifs and agrarian symbolism.

• Things to Do:

  • Wander through the narrow lanes of Kumartuli and witness the master artisans at work, sculpting idols out of clay.

  • The sight of unfinished idols is a photographer’s dream, and the area is rich with the smell of earth, making the experience deeply immersive.

"Kumartuli-r maati’r gondho jeno Durga Pujo’r prothom bhashon!" (The smell of Kumartuli’s clay feels like the first breath of Durga Puja!)

7. Deshapriya Park

Known for pushing the boundaries of scale and spectacle, Deshapriya Park is keeping its 2024 theme a closely guarded secret.

But as in previous years, when it created record-breaking installations such as the tallest Durga idol, the anticipation is high.

The elaborate artistry that accompanies Deshapriya Park’s grandiosity makes it a magnet for visitors.

The excitement surrounding its unveiling often leads to the phrase "Apurbo korechhe" (They've done something extraordinary) being passed around as crowds marvel at the splendor

• Location: Southern Avenue

• Highlights: Known for breaking records, Deshapriya Park is going eco-friendly this year, focusing on sustainability with materials sourced from nature. Expect a larger-than-life idol and a sprawling pandal with messages of environmental consciousness.

• Things to Do:

  • Enjoy a peaceful evening at the park, watching the grand pandal light up the night sky.

  • You can also enjoy some delicious street food nearby - especially a cup of steaming cha (tea).

8. Telengabagan Sarbojanin

Telengabagan Sarbojanin is another socially conscious pandal worth visiting in 2024. The pandal will focus on the issue of food wastage, using art and symbols to raise awareness of global food security challenges.

Like Kumartuli, this pandal engages visitors not just with its artistic excellence but with its thoughtful messaging.

The Bengali phrase "Manusher jonno" (For the people)" could easily sum up the spirit of these socially themed pandals​

• Location: Ultadanga, North Kolkata

• Highlights: Telengabagan Sarbojanin is known for addressing social issues. In 2024, the pandal will focus on food wastage and global food security, using art installations made of kitchen items and agricultural tools to convey the message.

• Things to Do:

• Reflect on the impactful message about food security while admiring the unique artistry that blends social awareness with creativity.

After visiting the pandal, enjoy some local Bengali snacks like jhalmuri and phuchka from the food stalls nearby.

Pro Tips for Durga Puja Pandal Hopping:

Start Early: If you want to avoid huge crowds, plan to visit the pandals in the early morning or just after lunchtime.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: With so much walking involved, it’s best to wear something comfortable. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself!

Eat Local: Kolkata’s streets come alive with food during Durga Puja. Try everything from rolls to churmur and end with some sweet mishti doi (sweet yogurt).

Public Transport is Your Friend: With roadblocks and crowds, hopping on a toto (electric rickshaw) or taking the metro is the fastest way to get around the city.

Conclusion: A Festival of the Senses

Kolkata during Durga Puja is an enchanting experience. From the vibrant pandals to the cultural vibrancy that fills the air, every moment feels like a celebration of life.

The creativity that pours into each pandal reflects the devotion of the people and their artistic prowess.

As you embark on your journey through the most stunning pandals in the city, let the dhak beat guide you, let the lights dazzle you, and let the spirit of Durga Puja wrap around you like a warm embrace.

After all, as we say in Kolkata, "Pujo’r anondo share korte hole, abar esho Kolkata te!" (To truly share the joy of Durga Puja, you must come to Kolkata again!)

So, grab your friends, put on your best punjabi or saree, and cholun! Let’s go!