Top Durga Puja Pandal to Visit in Kolkata 2023

 

The frenzy has already commenced. Just a few days remain until the onset of the 2023 Durga Puja Festival in Kolkata, and the festive spirit among the Bengalis is tangible. This year's Durga Puja in Kolkata will kick off on October 15th and culminate on the 24th. It marks a period of extensive gatherings, as Bengalis ("BONGS") hailing from various corners of the globe gather to reunite with loved ones, amplifying the atmosphere of celebration.

The city will be adorned with a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues, where the shimmering lights will not only illuminate even the darkest corners but also brighten your heart. It's a time to witness people adorned in traditional attire, a time to observe people swaying to the rhythm of dhol beats.

During the Durga Puja Festival, Kolkata bursts forth with over a thousand thematic and vividly colorful pandals, showcasing various incarnations of Goddess Durga. This spectacle draws in massive crowds, solidifying its status as one of the world's most significant autumn festivals.

The popularity and cultural significance of Durga Puja are so profound that in 2020, the Government of India proposed Durga Puja as a nominee for UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).

Here is sneak peek into some of the finest pandals you should consider visiting during the 2023 Durga Puja festival in Kolkata:

• Santosh Mitra Square
• Bagbazar
• Nalin Sarkar Street Sarbojanin Durgotsab
• Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja
• Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga Puja
• Bosepukur Sitala Mandir
• Naktala Udayan Sangha Puja
• Babubagan Club Sarbojanin Durga Puja
• Badamtala Ashar Sangha
• Suruchi Sangha
• Jodhpur Park Puja Pandal
• College Square
• Hindustan Park
• Hindustan Club
• Samaj Sebi Sangha
• Ballygunge Cultural Association Puja Pandal
• Deshapriya Park
• Kumartuli Park
• Ahiritola Sarbojanin Durgotsav
• Telengabagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab
• Dum Dum Park, Tarun Sangha
• Lake Town Adhibasi Brinda
• Sikdar Bagan Sadharan Durga Puja
• Ekdalia Evergreen Club
• Singhi Park Sarbojanin Durgotsab
• Mudiali Club
• Tridhara Sammilani Puja
• Shib Mandir Sarbajanin Durgatsab

Important dates of Durga puja 2023:

Durga Puja Day no.	Day	Event Date
Maha Panchami	Thursday	19 October 2023
Maha Sasthi	Friday	20 October 2023
Maha Saptami	Saturday	21 October 2023
Maha Asthami	Sunday	22 October 2023
Maha Nabami	Monday	23 October 2023
Bijaya Dashami	Tuesday	24 October 2023

• Baghbazar Durga Puja Pandal

Located alongside the river in North Kolkata, Bagbazar enjoys a splendid position. It is recognized as one of the city's oldest Durga Pujo pandals and proudly claims a century-long legacy.

Given its extensive history, Bagbazar naturally holds a special place in the hearts of the locals who flock here to partake in the renowned Bagbazar Sarbojanin Durgotsav & Exhibition.

Visitors can savor the traditional Puja rituals here, complemented by unassuming decorations that transport one back in time. During the Durgotsav, a vibrant carnival unfolds, where attendees can delight in a multitude of rides and indulge in delectable culinary delights to their heart's content.

• College Square Durga Puja Pandal

Nestled along College Street, which spans a considerable 1.5 kilometers, College Square presents a picturesque backdrop for hosting one of the must-visit Durga Puja Pandals in Kolkata. Established in 1948, this square graces the banks of a serene lake, and when adorned with a multitude of lights during the Durgotsav, it transforms into an absolutely surreal spectacle.

The enchanting reflection in the water is an experience that no one should forego, and consequently, College Square becomes densely packed with visitors. In 2023, it will mark the 77th year of Durga Puja celebrations. However, due to the looming threat of a third wave of the pandemic, the organizers and local residents have opted for a more modest pandal compared to previous years. The idol of Goddess Durga will stand at less than 10 feet in height, and strict adherence to the government's COVID-19 guidelines will be observed.

• Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja Pandal

With a history of hosting Durga Puja for over 80 years, Santosh Mitra Square undoubtedly stands out as a renowned name among the top Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata.

You might recall that in 2017, this pandal gained immense popularity by adopting the London Theme. During that year, Goddess Durga was depicted in a setting reminiscent of Buckingham Palace.

This year, despite the dark shadow cast by the Covid-19 pandemic, the committee has opted for something that is expected to draw a large crowd. The Durga idol artist, Mintu Pal, has confirmed that this year's idol of Durga will adhere to tradition. Due to the ongoing pandemic, there won't be extensive experimentation, but the festive spirit and enthusiasm are set to remain as vibrant as ever.

• Hindustan Park Durga Puja Pandal:

This Durga Puja Pandal is renowned for its annual ability to attract a large number of visitors during Durgotsav, thanks to its captivating themes. Hosting the Puja Pandal since approximately 1932, it has consistently captured people's attention and is considered one of the most exquisite puja pandals in Kolkata.

Every year, a captivating theme is meticulously selected and expertly integrated into the Durgotsav celebrations. While this year's festivities may not be on a grand scale, the enthusiasm and festive atmosphere are certain to be delightful.

• Ballygunge Cultural Association:

Ballygunge is renowned in Kolkata for its unpretentious and traditional Durga Puja celebrations. You can find the pandal on Jatin Das Road, situated just off Southern Avenue and Rashbehari Avenue. The ambiance here is likely to transport you back to yesteryears when devotion and love for the goddess were even more profound. This is undoubtedly one of Kolkata's most famous Durga Puja Pandals that you should not miss. The preparations for the puja begin as early as Rath Yatra.

• Deshapriya Park Durga Puja Pandal:

Deshapriya Park is known for its magnificent Durga Puja and is a must-see Pandal in Kolkata. It consistently impresses people year after year with its unique themes, such as the White Temple of Thailand in 2017. Despite a stampede forcing the Pandal's closure in 2015, it has regained its popularity in recent years. The idol of Goddess Durga reached a towering 88 feet and was hailed as the world's largest idol. This Pandal is one of the most hyped Durga Puja destinations in Kolkata.

• Kumartuli Park Puja Pandal:

Held in North Kolkata, near Sovabazar Ferry, the Kumartuli Park Durgotsab combines old-world grandeur with art. The idols this year will stand at approximately 12 feet. The architectural style will showcase every facet of traditional Indian culture and draw large crowds from across the city. The Kumartuli Park Durgotsab committee manages to preserve its social and cultural heritage, as it is located in one of Kolkata's oldest neighborhoods, home to hundreds of artisans. Kumartuli is a labyrinthine settlement of hundreds of potters and artisans who make their living by sculpting idols for various festivals. Additionally, idols of Goddess Durga and other deities crafted by Kumartuli's artisans are exported to Canada, the US, the UK, and Southeast Asian countries for the Durga Puja Festival.

• Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja Pandal:

One of the well-known Durga Puja celebrations in North Kolkata that should not be missed is the Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja. It takes place annually and showcases remarkable architectural marvels. Since its inception, the Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja committee has aimed to replicate various monuments, both famous and obscure, from around the world. They have also created dioramas inspired by ancient literature. While they have adapted to evolving architectural trends and styles, the committee has successfully preserved its age-old culture and traditions, which are reflected in their artistic work. The interior and exterior decorations of the Pandal, intricately depicting the chosen theme, are a visual delight. The entire park area is adorned with dazzling and colorful lighting, creating a captivating atmosphere. The Mohammad Ali Durga Puja Samity has received numerous awards in various categories, solidifying its reputation as one of Kolkata's prestigious Durga Puja celebrations.

• Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga Puja:

The Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga Puja has earned a multitude of honors and awards in various categories. It was recognized as the Best Puja in 1997 and received the Best Artisan award in 2002 from Asian Paints Sharad Samman. This is another esteemed Durga Puja celebration in Kolkata that commenced in 1943 when a young and determined boy, the founder president Shri Lakhi Chand Jaiswal, dreamt of organizing Durga Puja in his locality. As the years passed and efforts multiplied, the Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga Puja witnessed a significant gathering during its Golden Jubilee Year in 1992, and the fervor continued to grow in 2006. Over the years, the committee has maintained its tradition of creating a unique ambiance during the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata. They enhance the festive spirit with Dhaki drumming competitions, Dhunuchi dance performances, and Sindoor Khela rituals.

• Ekdalia Evergreen Club Puja Pandal:

They consistently keep it simple yet enticing enough to visit every year. The interior and exterior design of the pandal typically showcase ancient forms of art and replicas of world heritage sites. For instance, in 2011, the Ekdalia Evergreen Club Durgotsab Samity presented a theme based on a German village, in 2012 they recreated the Golden Temple in Vellore, and in 2013 they opted for a simpler theme centered around a traditional Indian temple. However, what sets Ekdalia Evergreen Club Durgotsab apart is its preservation of the age-old traditional form of Durga pratima, a distinct feature that distinguishes it from other renowned Durga Pujas in Kolkata.

• Singhi Park Sarbojanin Durgotsab:

Located near the Ekdalia Evergreen Club Durgotsab is one of Kolkata's heritage Durga Pujas, Singhi Park Sarbojanin Durgotsab. This Puja has steadfastly upheld the traditional way of worshipping Goddess Durga, carving out its own unique identity. Singhi Park Durga Puja has a rich history dating back to 1941, and in 2015, it celebrated its 74th year of Durga Puja. Over the years, the association has consistently presented innovative pandal structures while retaining its traditional lighting from Chandannagar and the traditional Ekchala pratima pattern. Singhi Park Sarbojanin Durgotsab has received numerous awards in various categories, making it one of the most famous pandals in Kolkata .

• Mudiali Club Durga Puja Pandal:

Mudiali Club Durgotsab is another well-known barowari Durga Puja in South Kolkata, distinguished by its receipt of the Asian Paints Sharad Samman Best Puja awards in 1988, 1990, 1992, and 1994. The committee ensures that the splendor of the puja remains undiminished, creating an ideal and joyous ambiance with a traditional form of the Goddess Durga idol. They also craft creative pandal structures depicting social causes, current events, heritage, or ancient stories, all adorned with vivid colors and intricate décor. Over the years, they have presented diverse themes, such as the Mukteshwar Temple of Orissa in 2005, an imaginary Zamindar's Rajbari in 2006, rural Bengal in 2007, an imaginary temple design in 2008, a sandstone temple in 2009, another temple design in 2010, and a theme focused on machine and technology in 2011. In 2012, they unveiled a traditional form of Goddess Durga adorned in gold attire

• In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, several changes have been implemented in the Durga Puja 2023 celebrations in Kolkata:

• Vaccination Requirement: The General Secretary of the Forum for Durgotsav has emphasized that all organizers, artisans, priests, and drummers involved in the Puja should be vaccinated to ensure safety.
• Scaled-Down Decorations: Pandals (temporary structures for idol display) will not be decorated on a grand scale as in previous years. The focus is on simplicity, reducing the scale of decorations, and saving funds.

• Funds Allocation for Social Causes:

  Approximately half of the funds that would typically go into lavish decorations will now be allocated for social causes, reflecting a commitment to community welfare.

• Limited Access for Devotees: Devotees may only be able to view the decoration, interiors, and idols from outside the pandal, with restricted access to maintain social distancing.

• Safety Measures: Puja committees are taking stringent safety measures, including the mandatory wearing of masks covering the nose by all participants and attendees.

• Ritual Modifications: Rituals like Pushpanjali, where offerings of cut fruits are typically made, will undergo changes. Cut fruits may not be allowed, and physical distancing will be maintained while performing the ritual.
• Digital Presence: Puja committees are focusing on enhancing their digital presence to allow people to enjoy the festivities from the safety of their homes. This includes projecting images with 3D effects to enable individuals to experience the bliss of Durga Puja remotely.

These changes reflect a responsible approach to celebrating Durga Puja while prioritizing the health and safety of all participants and the wider community in the context of the ongoing pandemic

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