Chittaranjan Park, fondly known as CR Park, popped up at the top of my search results when I Googled places to visit in Delhi during Durga Puja. For those familiar with the city, it’s no surprise—this place has become synonymous with vibrant Durga Puja festivities, much like Kolkata. With the City of Joy not on my travel list this year, I set out to experience the festivities in CR Park instead. Nestled in South East Delhi, CR Park is home to a large Bengali community, offering a cultural blend that becomes especially electric during the festival season.
A few days before Durga Puja, I arrived at CR Park, eager to explore the area. I chose to walk through its streets, immersing myself in the atmosphere that, though relatively calm now, would soon be teeming with festival-goers. As I strolled through the neighborhood, a local proudly informed me, “The first Durga Puja in CR Park was held in the 1960s and today every block organises puja besides the over 13 other massive Pujas in the area.” After cross checking the man, I found out that the first Puja was actually held in the 1970s instead. Nevertheless, this tidbit by the local pointed to how deeply ingrained the festival is in the community’s identity.
While there are several other notable Durga Puja spots across Delhi, including Kashmere Gate’s century-old celebration and Matri Mandir Kali Bari in Safdarjung Enclave, CR Park is unique. Every park in the area, big or small, seems to host its own pandal (pavilion), turning the entire area into a festive zone.
Mela Ground: A hub of festivity
After walking for a while, I reached Mela Ground, which hosts one of the largest puja pandals in CR Park. The preparations were in full swing, with most of the ground covered in skeletal frames that would soon become grand pandals. Abhijit Nandi, the Cultural Secretary of the Mela Ground committee, shared his excitement with me: “This year, we expect about 1.6 lakh visitors per day during Durga Puja. It’s our 49th year of celebrations, and the energy here is just as high as it’s always been.”
The theme for this year’s celebration at Mela Ground was Dhakir Saaj, a tribute to the traditional drummers of Bengal, who are integral to the festival’s atmosphere. Though the pandals were still under construction, Nandi assured me that the finishing touches would soon be completed. He also shared insights into the preparation process: “It takes more than a month to plan and execute the festival, and the budgeting and ideation take even longer. We rely on sponsorships, and we’ve got advertising options everywhere, from the entry gate to the pandal interiors.”
As we chatted, Nandi pointed to a nearby stage where a singing competition for differently-abled children was about to begin. “These competitions bring the community together even before the main Puja days,” he said with a smile, highlighting the spirit of inclusion that CR Park’s Durga Puja fosters.
Community spirit in action
My next stop was B-Block Ma Sharda Park, where preparations were similarly in full swing. Bamboo frames dotted the park, hinting at the grandeur to come. However, what struck me most was the sense of community already in action. Despite the ongoing construction, people from the neighborhood were gathered to watch or participate in various competitions. A woman probably in her 60s, draped in a stunning off-white laal paar saree, watched a karaoke performance with a content smile. “We feel rejuvenated seeing the young ones perform,” she shared.
The B-Block Durga Puja is also celebrating its 49th year, and the excitement among the organizers was palpable. Everyone seemed focused on their tasks, leaving little room for conversation, but the camaraderie was evident in their teamwork. It was clear that the spirit of fun and festivity goes hand-in-hand with the meticulous planning required to pull off an event of this scale.
Artist behind the ‘Creator’: A visit to Kali Mandir
I then made my way to Kali Mandir, locally known as Kali Baari, which is renowned for its idol-making workshops. Here, artisans from West Bengal create the magnificent idols of Durga and her entourage that grace pandals all over Delhi. I was greeted by the sight of artists delicately shaping the clay, smoothing it with their hands to form intricate details. The air was thick with the smell of wet clay, adding to the magical aura of creation.
“I’ve been coming to CR Park for the past few years just to witness this part of the process,” said Amit Jain, a Mass Communication student capturing the scene on his camera. “For me, this is the most therapeutic aspect of the festival—the calm before the storm of celebration.”
The murtikars (idol-makers) use clay from the Ganges, a sacred tradition that adds spiritual significance to their work. As the idols slowly take shape, the pandals in the Kali Mandir grounds are also being constructed. This year’s central theme at Kali Mandir is women’s empowerment, possibly inspired by recent national conversations surrounding gender equality.
Final countdown to Durga Puja
With just weeks to go until Durga Puja, CR Park is buzzing with anticipation. Each pandal committee is racing against the clock to bring their unique vision to life, while the community gears up for days of prayer, celebration, and cultural activities. The festive spirit is evident not just in the preparations but in the way people are already coming together—whether for competitions, casual gatherings, or simply to soak in the joyful atmosphere.
For those unable to visit Kolkata during Durga Puja, CR Park offers a glimpse of Bengal’s rich cultural heritage right in the heart of Delhi. With its vibrant pandals, elaborate rituals, and community spirit, this neighborhood has transformed into a mini Kolkata, where the goddess Durga is worshipped with just as much fervor and devotion.
As I left CR Park, I knew I’d return for the main festivities. After all, the real magic of Durga Puja is not just in the preparations but in the collective joy that it brings—a joy that CR Park, with its deep roots in Bengali culture, captures perfectly. Joi Maa Durga
