Maa Durga has returned home marking the beginning of the grand festivities all around. With the Durga Puja celebration knocking on the door, most people in West Bengal are busy curating pandal-hopping guides. As someone who hates missing visiting even one renowned pandal, I understand the long process of making the perfect Kolkata’s Durga Puja pandals itinerary. Thanks to my past experiences and social media, I have found the most hyped and recommended places to explore this year. Wait no more and make plans with your loved ones already.
These Are Kolkata’s Must-Visit Durga Puja Pandals
All iconic committee and club names on this list have been selected based on their unique themes, representations, and significance. If you wish to explore only the legendary pandals in the City of Joy, here’s your ultimate guide.
Netizens have shared picturesque images and videos of the pandals and idols on social media. Here are some of their posts and uploads.
1. Santosh Mitra Square
Santosh Mitra Square to have a ‘Sphere of Las Vegas’ themed pandal this year#Kolkata#DurgaPuja2024 #durgamaa #SantoshMitraSquare pic.twitter.com/VvEwCQsmbK
— Dharamendra Kumar (@dharamendrakum2) September 29, 2024
Witness a slice of Las Vegas’s iconic Sphere at Santosh Mitra Square. Like every other year, this prominent Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata is set to be one of the best.
2. Barisha Club
We have read about the transition of forests to human civilisation. It’s time to watch a glimpse of this journey at Barisha Club’s Basati-themed pandal.
3. Behala Notun Dal
Behala Notun Dal is celebrating Durga Puja with a one-of-a-kind theme of Kalpana. It displays cultural exchanges and a collaboration between India and Ireland. Natural materials have been used to make the intricacies and idols.
4. Mudiali Club
This year, Kolkata’s iconic Mudiali Club’s theme is Tri-Matrik (three dimensions). The creations highlight the spiritual Brahma-Vishnu-Maheshwar connection.
Also read: 11 Heritage Homes In Kolkata Where Durga Puja Is Celebrated In A Grand Manner
5. Mohammad Ali Park
Pause your American trip as you can enjoy a glimpse of the White House at Mohammad Ali Park. The White House-themed pandal focuses on the importance of water conservation as well.
6. Bhowanipur 75 Palli
Image for representation
2024 is a crucial year for Bhowanipur 75 Palli as this year marks its diamond jubilee celebrations. The theme is Tobuo Tomar Kache Aamar Hridoy marking a wonderful attempt to portray the old-school essence of Kolkata and stay close to its roots even after seeing endless changes and transformations.
Also read: Durga Puja 2024: When Is Durga Ashtami This Year? From Date, Timing To Rituals, Know All About It
7. Sreebhumi Sporting Club
📍 Sreebhumi Sporting Club.
The theme of the pandal is Tirupati Balaji Mandir. Maa Durga and her beloved children are seen donning around 15KG of gold jewellery. 🥰#DurgaPuja2024 https://t.co/c0AEMjzzMJ pic.twitter.com/SK9ScBhGJh
— Ayush (@abasu0819) October 2, 2024
This year, Sreebhumi has been decked up magnificently in a Tirupati Balaji Temple-themed pandal. The artisans have brought the ideas to reality splendidly to highlight the grandeur of the revered mandir.
8. Tala Prattoy
First look of Tala prattoy
Kolkata
Theme : The void #DurgaPuja2024 pic.twitter.com/AZjOYqSdTf— ąɮɦɩ (@NotyourAbhi_) September 30, 2024
Just like last year, Tala Prattoy is back with another extraordinary pandal in 20204. The theme this year is Bihil. The execution of the idea highlights that God is omnipresent.
9. Tridhara Sammilani
Tala Prottoy Chokkhudaan pic.twitter.com/n1DlcxxDOq
— Sudhanidhi Bandyopadhyay (@SudhanidhiB) October 2, 2024
Pandal hopping in South Kolkata is incomplete without visiting Tridhara Sammilani. This year, the legendary pandal is adorned with handmade artificial plants, trees, and gigantic structures.
10. Hindustan Park Sarbojanin
Hindustan Park Sarbojanin is famous for creative themes and this year’s speciality is displaying a one-of-a-kind rickshaw theme with creators’ out-of-the-world imaginations.
11. Garia Pancha Durga
The আনন্দ becomes 5x here at Garia ‘Pancha’ Durga! pic.twitter.com/aaroPHen9i
— 🚩जयेश शर्मा ; জয়েশ শর্মা🇮🇳 (@the_jungle_wala) August 31, 2024
Garia Pancha Durga is celebrating its 70th anniversary with an extravagant pandal set up recreating the well-known Chandrodaya Mandir in Vrindavan.
12. Jagat Mukherjee Park
And the outer structure depicts the Iconic Howrah Bridge # Durga Puja Pandal https://t.co/490IGb0VQC pic.twitter.com/0arBAEupKj
— Syeda Shabana (@JournoShabana) September 24, 2024
Catch a snippet of Kolkata’s East-West Metro Line’s Howrah Maidan station at Jagat Mukherjee Park. From the iconic Howrah Bridge to the train, the pandal shows Kolkata Metro’s glimpses and the significance of the crucial network.
13. Ahiritola Sarbojonin
Fav so far Ahiritola Sarbojonin 2024. As usual, brilliant presentation from @pandalwala ❤ on the theme ‘Kheyalsetu Boitarani.’ Explores the journey of North Kolkata, from Ganga ghats to the narrow lanes of Kumartuli. Brilliant scenery & execution. Don’t miss it!
Pic collected pic.twitter.com/8Fs16Ek9N5— horekrokom | হরেকরকম (@horek_rokom) October 1, 2024
In 2024, Ahiritola Sarbojonin is presenting a creative picture of its theme Kheyalsetu Boitarani. North Kolkata is famous for its narrow lanes, rustic old-school vibes, and Ganga ghats. Undoubtedly, the innovation showcases the idea amazingly.
14. Lalabagan Nabankur
Lalabagan Nabankur Durga pujo pandal in Maniktala, Kolkata has decorated their Puja pandal with 8000 natural plants.
Stepping into this puja pandal will make you feel like you have entered a lush mini forest! Visitors will have a chance to take these plants back home as well!!! pic.twitter.com/VoD9uE4LLP
— Sourav || সৌরভ (@Sourav_3294) October 1, 2024
One pandal that has grabbed the limelight for wonderful reasons is Lalabagan Nabankur. Its eco-friendly theme, creation of a mini-forest, and using over 8,000 plants have perfectly built up the most ethereal ambience. Visiting here feels like stepping into a lush green and calming place.
15. Kashi Bose Lane
Kashi Bose Lane’s 2024 theme is Rotno Garbha. It is a beautiful approach to feature Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s immense contributions to societal development.
16. Ekdalia Evergreen Club
South Kolkata’s legendary Ekdalia Evergreen Club is recreating Puri’s Jagannath Temple this Durga Puja. Witness extravagant splendour here.
17. Suruchi Sangha
#SERUMSharodBaran, 2024: #SERUMWest Team visited Suruchi Sangha. pic.twitter.com/jX6FZ8liJR
— Serum Group (@SerumGroup) October 2, 2024
This year, Suruchi Sangha is showcasing an exceptional theme of Purano Sei Diner Kotha. The decorations represent a slice of the old days.
18. Badamtala Ashar Sangha
#SERUMSharodBaran, 2024: #SERUMSouth Team visited Kalighat Badamtala Ashar Sangha. pic.twitter.com/pCXQqsBAMJ
— Serum Group (@SerumGroup) October 2, 2024
Utsober Chalchitre is this year’s Durga Puja pandal theme of Badamtala Ashar Sangha in South Kolkata. It is based on the idea to focus on the transformation of Durga Puja festivities over the years.
19. Chetla Agrani
Chetla Agrani’s theme for this year is Ganga Dushon. The pandal aims to spread a social message representing a theme of River Ganga pollution.
20. Deshapriya Park
Add Deshapriya Park to your pandal hopping guide if you plan to cover all the renowned places in South Kolkata. The theme of 2024 is Ebar Bhubaneswari.
21. Hazra Park Durgotsab
Hazra Park Durgotsab celebrates its 82nd year with a one-of-a-kind Suddhi theme. Meaning purification in English, the idea behind the extravagant formation is to nod to its decades-old values and importance. With the pandal, the committee attempts to remind us that the fight for equality continues even today. No matter how much progress society has witnessed, people continue to struggle and overcome obstacles for equality.
22. Kumartuli Park
Known as one of North Kolkata’s most prominent Durga Puja pandals, Kumartuli Park created a visionary setup of radio to honour the All India Radio office. Shaped like a humongous radio, step into a world of creative brilliance inside the yellow-coloured pandal.
23. Kumartuli Sarbojonin Durgotsav
In 2024, Kumartuli Sarbojonin Durgotsav celebrates its 90th year. The committee grabbed the right opportunity to portray an important incident happening in India for the last few years. The theme of this iconic pandal is Khudha. The Bengali term Khudha translates to hunger in English and the theme highlights farmers’ protests with brilliant intricacies, installing unique elements, and a background music of farmers working on fields.
24. Ballygunge Cultural Association
South Kolkata’s Ballygunge Cultural Association represents unique themed pandals every year. This year, the association is surprising visitors with an illuminating display of the Arshinagar theme. For the 74th year of celebrations, they built an outstanding sculpture with loads of mirror works dazzling up the vibrant space. To witness the magnificence in full glory, visit here after sunset.
25. Singhi Park Sarbojanin Durga Puja
View this post on Instagram
If you have plans to explore South Kolkata, do not skip the famous Singhi Park Sarbojanin Durga Puja. Constructed with wood-based materials, the exterior is a beautiful sight to witness.
26. 66 Pally
This year, Kalighat’s famous 66 Pally Durga Puja committee constructed a picture-perfect pandal with the theme of Shaad Kahan. To decorate the surroundings, artisans used loads and loads of spices. The inclusion of these kitchen ingredients depicts their history, transporting them, selling them in markets, and more about spices.
27. Selimpur Pally Sarbojanin
A vibrant surrounding welcomes visitors at Selimpur Pally Durga Puja pandal. Decked up with bright elements and beautiful colours, the theme here is Godhulir Swapno.
28. Chorebagan Sarbojanin
One of our highly recommended Durga Puja pandals to visit in North Kolkata is Chorebagan Sarbojanin. The beautifully-thought theme of 2024 is Dugga. Entering the pandals feels like escaping to a world surrounded by the most splendid art forms and creativity. The craftsmanship showcasing the spirit of pujo is a treat to the eyes.
29. Telenga Bagan Sarbojonin
North Kolkata’s Telenga Bagan Sarbojonin pandal displays wonderful artisanship and artists’ excellence in every corner. In 2024, the Durga Puja pandal theme is Prithibi Goddomoy. Whenever you are heading towards the city’s North side, visit this renowned pandal.
30. Khidirpur 25 Pally
Amid the rush of legendary pandals, famed names, and extravagant themes, we end up missing many underrated pandals showcasing some of the best representations of art and creativity. One such pandal is Khidirpur 25 Pally. The theme of this year is Poricharon. The interiors are decorated uniquely with aesthetic bulbs and lights of various shapes and sizes. In addition, the decor elements include soda cans, shuttlecocks, wall clocks, soft toys, and more unexpected additions.
These are our recommendations for the best and most unique Durga Puja pandals to visit in Kolkata. Do you have any suggestions to add to the list?
Cover Image Courtesy: X/ horekrokom | হরেকরকম (@horek_rokom), X/ Ayush (@abasu0819)
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