Twelve of the most iconic Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai — their history, what makes each special and what to do there. In 2026, Shardiya Navratri runs from 11 to 20 October, with Durga Puja’s main days in mid-October.
Durga Puja is more than a festival — it is a celebration of faith, art and community. The beat of the dhak, the aroma of bhog and the sight of Maa Durga’s idol bring people from all walks of life together. In December 2021, UNESCO inscribed Durga Puja in Kolkata on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising it as a living tradition of art and community.
Durga Puja takes place during Shardiya Navratri in autumn; Maa Durga is also worshipped during Chaitra Navratri in spring, though pandals and large public festivities belong mainly to the autumn festival.
When Is Durga Puja in 2026?
Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October and ends with Vijayadashami on Tuesday, 20 October. Durga Puja’s main days — Shashthi to Vijaya Dashami — fall in mid-October; exact dates can differ by a day between regional calendars, so check your local Panchang or puja committee.
Here are the 12 most iconic Durga Puja pandals across India.
Bagbazar Sarbojonin Durga Puja – Kolkata, West Bengal
Story & Origin:
Bagbazar Sarbojonin is one of the oldest community (sarbojanin) Durga Pujas in Kolkata, with a history of more than a century. Its long history reflects Bengal’s cultural and social evolution, making it a true heritage celebration.
Location:
Bagbazar, North Kolkata — on the banks of the Hooghly River.
Interesting Facts:
- Known for its traditional style of worship rather than a theme pandal.
- Draws large crowds every day, especially for Sindoor Khela on Vijaya Dashami.
- Has hosted eminent personalities, from freedom fighters to cultural icons.
Things to Do:
- See the idol in the traditional ekchala style, with all the deities in a single frame.
- Stroll through the Bagbazar fair, known for snacks and handicrafts.
- Enjoy the riverfront and festive lights.
Sreebhumi Sporting Club – Kolkata, West Bengal
Story & Origin:
Founded in the 1970s, Sreebhumi Sporting Club has become synonymous with spectacular pandals. The club is associated with West Bengal minister Sujit Bose.
Location:
Lake Town, North Kolkata.
Interesting Facts:
- Famous for massive replicas of world landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa in 2021.
- Draws visitors from across India and abroad.
- So popular that it causes major traffic jams — lakhs of visitors come daily.
Things to Do:
- Explore the pandal architecture, often inspired by global landmarks.
- Photograph the lighting after dark.
- Enjoy the street food stalls outside.
Santosh Mitra Square – Kolkata, West Bengal
Story & Origin:
Established in 1936, Santosh Mitra Square (earlier Sealdah Sarbojonin) has long been known for innovative themes.
Location:
Sealdah, Central Kolkata.
Interesting Facts:
- Has recreated landmarks such as Buckingham Palace as its pandal theme.
- The idol has been adorned with gold ornaments in several years.
- A favourite of media and photographers.
Things to Do:
- Visit in the evening, when the lighting is at its best.
- Shop at the Sealdah markets nearby.
- Look out for the year’s theme — from palaces to temples.
Deshapriya Park Durga Puja – Kolkata, West Bengal
Story & Origin:
First organised in 1938, Deshapriya Park Puja drew national attention in 2015 with an 88-foot Durga idol, billed as the tallest in the world — crowds grew so large that access was restricted.
Location:
Deshapriya Park, South Kolkata.
Interesting Facts:
- Known for record-breaking idols.
- Draws huge crowds, often with special police arrangements.
- Located in one of South Kolkata’s busiest areas.
Things to Do:
- See the large-scale idol installations.
- Walk through South Kolkata’s festive markets.
- Enjoy puja bhog — khichuri, labra and chutney.
Image Credit: https://yometro.com/travel-guide/attraction-deshapriya-park-kolkata
Kumartuli Park Durga Puja – Kolkata, West Bengal
Story & Origin:
Kumartuli Park Puja draws inspiration from its neighbourhood — Kumartuli, Kolkata’s historic potters’ quarter, where artisans craft thousands of clay Durga idols each year for pujas across India and abroad.
Location:
Kumartuli, North Kolkata.
Interesting Facts:
- Its idols are made by the Kumartuli artisans themselves.
- Combines traditional and modern themes.
- One of Kolkata’s most photographed pujas.
Things to Do:
- Visit the idol-making workshops in the lanes nearby — best in the weeks before the festival.
- Photograph clay idols in progress, with the artisans’ permission.
- Attend the evening cultural programmes.
Ekdalia Evergreen Durga Puja – Kolkata, West Bengal
Story & Origin:
Founded in 1943, Ekdalia Evergreen is one of the most visited pujas in South Kolkata.
Location:
Ekdalia, near Gariahat Market, South Kolkata.
Interesting Facts:
- Known for giant replicas of temples such as Madurai Meenakshi and Puri Jagannath.
- Its lighting is among the finest in the city.
- Often inaugurated by film personalities.
Things to Do:
- Shop at nearby Gariahat Market for sarees and jewellery.
- Enjoy evening adda with rolls, fish fry and sweets from the stalls.
Chittaranjan Park (CR Park) Durga Puja – Delhi, NCR
Story & Origin:
Chittaranjan Park, home to Delhi’s largest Bengali community, began holding Durga Pujas in the early 1970s.
Location:
South Delhi, NCR.
Interesting Facts:
- Many separate pujas are held across the neighbourhood.
- Known for authentic Bengali food stalls.
- Offers both traditional and thematic pandals.
Things to Do:
- Try Kolkata-style street food — puchka, fish chops and sweets.
- Walk between the neighbourhood’s pandals.
- Attend cultural programmes of Rabindra Sangeet and dance drama.
Arambagh Durga Puja Samiti – Delhi, NCR
Story & Origin:
Established in the 1950s, Arambagh Durga Puja Samiti is one of the best-known pujas in Delhi.
Location:
Central Delhi, near Paharganj.
Interesting Facts:
- Known for grand thematic pandals.
- Idols are often brought from Kumartuli, Kolkata.
- Visited by public figures and dignitaries.
Things to Do:
- See the creative lighting and sound effects.
- Explore nearby Connaught Place.
New Delhi Kali Bari Durga Puja – New Delhi
Story & Origin:
The New Delhi Kali Bari’s Durga Puja is one of the oldest in the capital, dating back to the 1920s.
Location:
Mandir Marg, New Delhi.
Interesting Facts:
- A traditional puja, free of flashy themes.
- The idol is made in the ekchala style, like Bagbazar’s.
- A spiritual centre for Delhi’s Bengali community.
Things to Do:
- Join the aarti and bhog distribution.
- Listen to the dhak and chanting.
- Visit nearby Connaught Place and Janpath.
Minto Road Puja Samity – New Delhi
Story & Origin:
Started in the 1940s, Minto Road Puja Samity is one of Delhi’s best-known community pujas.
Location:
Near Connaught Place, New Delhi.
Interesting Facts:
- Known for theme-based pandals.
- The idol is crafted by artists from Kolkata.
- Famous for its lively evening cultural events.
Things to Do:
- Explore the eateries around Connaught Place after pandal hopping.
- Attend cultural shows and competitions.
North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Story & Origin:
Started in 1948, this puja has long been a cultural landmark in Mumbai and is associated with the Mukherjee film family.
Location:
Juhu, Mumbai.
Interesting Facts:
- Film personalities such as Kajol and Rani Mukerji are regularly seen at the puja.
- The idol and pandal keep to traditional Bengali style.
- Known for authentic Bengali bhog.
Things to Do:
- Taste the bhog and sweets.
- Enjoy cultural evenings of music and dance.
Image credit: https://globalprimenews.com/2022/10/04/north-bombay-sarbojanin-durga-puja-samiti-in-their-75th-year
Lokhandwala Durgotsav – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Story & Origin:
Lokhandwala Durgotsav has grown into one of Mumbai’s largest Durga Pujas.
Location:
Lokhandwala, Andheri West, Mumbai.
Interesting Facts:
- Well known for film-industry participation and celebrity evenings.
- Blends modern presentation with tradition.
Things to Do:
- Watch the cultural programmes.
- Try Mumbai’s fusion snacks at the stalls.
- Join Sindoor Khela on Vijaya Dashami.
Image Credit: https://www.mamtakhanna.com/durgapuja
Tips for Pandal Hopping
- Visit famous pandals early in the morning or late at night to avoid the heaviest crowds.
- Use the metro in Kolkata and Delhi — roads near major pandals are often closed.
- Wear comfortable shoes and keep water with you.
- Keep children close and agree on a meeting point in case you are separated.
Many devotees recite the Durga Chalisa and sing the Durga aarti during the festival.
Final Thoughts
From the century-old Bagbazar Puja in Kolkata to Lokhandwala Durgotsav in Mumbai, each pandal tells a story of faith, creativity and heritage. Whether you are in Kolkata admiring artistic marvels, in Delhi enjoying Bengali bhog or in Mumbai joining the Sindoor Khela, Durga Puja brings India together in devotion and celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Durga Puja Pandals
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When is Durga Puja in 2026?
Durga Puja 2026 falls during Shardiya Navratri, which runs from Sunday, 11 October to Vijayadashami on Tuesday, 20 October. Its main days, from Shashthi to Vijaya Dashami, fall in mid-October; exact dates can differ by a day between regional calendars, so check your local Panchang or puja committee.
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What is the significance of Durga Puja?
Durga Puja celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, told in the Devi Mahatmya, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. In Bengal it also honours Durga’s annual homecoming to her parents’ house with her children Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartikeya, whose images stand beside her in the pandal.
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Is Kolkata’s Durga Puja a UNESCO heritage?
Yes. In December 2021, UNESCO inscribed Durga Puja in Kolkata on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising the festival’s public art, craftsmanship, and the way it brings communities together across boundaries of religion and class.
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Which are the most famous Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata?
The most famous Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata include Bagbazar Sarbojonin, one of the city’s oldest community pujas; Sreebhumi Sporting Club, known for landmark replicas; Santosh Mitra Square; Deshapriya Park, famous for its 88-foot idol in 2015; Kumartuli Park in the potters’ quarter; and Ekdalia Evergreen near Gariahat.
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Where are the best Durga Pujas outside Kolkata?
Outside Kolkata, Delhi’s best-known Durga Pujas include those at Chittaranjan Park, home to the city’s largest Bengali community, Arambagh, the New Delhi Kali Bari and Minto Road, while in Mumbai the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja in Juhu and Lokhandwala Durgotsav are the most famous.
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What is Kumartuli?
Kumartuli is the historic potters’ quarter of North Kolkata, where artisans sculpt thousands of clay Durga idols each year for pujas across India and abroad. Visitors often tour its workshops in the weeks before Durga Puja to watch the idols being made.
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What is Sindoor Khela?
Sindoor Khela is a Durga Puja ritual held on Vijaya Dashami, the last day, in which married women offer vermilion (sindoor) to the goddess and then smear it on one another’s faces before the idol is immersed. It marks Durga’s farewell as she returns to Kailash.
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Is entry to Durga Puja pandals free?
Yes. Entry to almost all Durga Puja pandals is free, though the most popular ones manage long queues with barricades, separate entry and exit routes and occasional passes. Visiting early in the morning or late at night is the easiest way to avoid the longest waits.
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What is the best time to visit Durga Puja pandals?
Evenings are the most atmospheric time to visit Durga Puja pandals, when the lighting is switched on and cultural programmes are held, but they are also the most crowded. Early mornings and late nights, especially on Shashthi and Saptami, are quieter for seeing the most famous pandals.
Devi Durga Maa Video Gallery | दुर्गा माँ की आरतियाँ, मंत्र, चालीसा और भजन वीडियो
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