Durga Puja is one of the grandest Hindu festivals celebrated in India. It is a celebration of good prevailing over evil as symbolized by Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon king Mahishasura. Durga Puja typically marks the beginning of fall as the seasons turn and the leaves change colour. This year, Durga Puja is going to commence from the 27th of September and continue till the 2nd of October. Durga Puja is more than just a festival, it is a culmination of people’s joy and feelings of togetherness. With celebrations just peeking around the corner, there is still time for last-minute plans to make the most of festival season. Here are the top Durga Puja destinations that deserve a spot on your travel list:
Kolkata, West Bengal:
Kolkata leaves no stone unturned when it comes to Puja season. As the heart of Durga Puja festivities takes place here, it is the pioneer of grand and over the top, ‘themed’ pandals. The creativity is out of bounds here with numerous jaw-dropping displays, insane light shows and the themes that are more unique than the last. Pandal Hopping in Kolkata is guaranteed to make your Puja experience an unforgettable one. These are some must visit Pandals in Kolkata should you choose to spend Puja there:
Suruchi Sangha
Mudiali Club
Babubagan
Hindusthan Park
Jodhpur Park
Guwahati, Assam:
While more subdued than Kolkata’s grand celebrations, Durga Puja festivities in Guwahati have a unique charm of their own. One can expect grand light and sound shows, carnival rides, incredible street food and gorgeous pandals from Durga Puja celebrations in Guwahati. In recent times, themed shows in line with Kolkata’s revelry have been observed. Guwahatians are out till the wee midnight hours because Pandals stay open all night for visitors. Here are some Pandals you must visit if you are in town:
Latasil Playground
Athgaon
Rest Camp, Pandu
Nayantara Club
Lakhi Mandir, Beltola
New Delhi:
With a sizable and tightly knit Bengali community in the National Capital, it is safe to say that Durga Puja in Delhi is celebrated with pomp and splendour. The affair is more elegant and one with traditional and eco – friendly themes. In Delhi, the festivities are a stripped-back call to heritage and one can expect a cheerful ambiance with delicious street food stalls set up by vendors. Here are the Durga Puja spots to visit when in Delhi:
CR Park
Kashmere Gate
Kalibari, Mayur Vihar -1
Timarpur and Civil Line Puja Samity
Arambagh Durga Puja Samity
Matri Mandir, Safdarjung Enclave
Mumbai, Maharashtra:
The tradition of celebrating Durga Puja in Mumbai was started by the Bengali community who could not go home for the celebrations and thus put down roots. You can hope to catch star-studded Pandals in Mumbai with celebrities frequenting them. In general, the chill energy of Mumbai also carries over to its Puja celebrations. Expect some truly authentic Bengali cuisine when you visit Mumbai for Durga Puja. Here are some top Durga Puja pandals you should visit:
Bangla Cultural Association and Indian Bangla Club
North Bombay Sarvajanik Durgotsav
Balkanji Bari Pandal
Bengal Club
Sanskriti Durga Puja
Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Durga Puja is immensely popular in the eastern state of Odisha with two main hubs: Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. They were both worth a mention because of their distinctly unique styles of celebration. Cuttack in particular is famous for its majestic Chandi Medhas, where the decorations are lined with silver filigree. Bhubaneshwar on the other hand is known for its large-scale architectural replicas. Durga Puja celebrations in Odisha date back to centuries and one can truly feel the spiritual and holy atmosphere in the air. These are the pandals you should visit in Odisha.
Jharpada Durga Puja
Chandini Chowk
Ranihat
Nayapalli
Baramunda
Enjoy this Durga Puja in a way that is simply unforgettable. From Kolkata’s dazzling themed pandals to Odisha’s centuries-old traditions, plan an itinerary that lets you make the most of this festival, for each destination offers its own unique flavor of festivity. No matter where you choose to celebrate, the spirit of Durga Puja promises joy, and memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, embrace the festive spirit, and let the magic of Maa Durga guide your journey this Puja season.
