11 Famous Kolkata Durga Puja Pandals

There are thousands of Kolkata Durga Puja pandals but some stand out more than others, as a result of their captivating decorations. Every year they compete to outdo each other with the most elaborate and innovative themes. The pandals in north Kolkata tend to be more traditional, whereas the ones in south Kolkata are contemporary and showy.

Do be aware that the popular, award-winning pandals get crowded though! It's not uncommon for serpentine lines to stretch a mile in the evenings on Saptami (seventh day of Navaratri), Ashtami (eighth day of Navaratri) and Navami (ninth day of Navaratri). However, these days many pandals open early and accept visitors from Shashthi (sixth day of Navaratri) or even earlier.Much of the crowd can also be avoided by visiting the pandals during the daytime. You'll miss out on seeing the spectacular lighting though.

The easiest way to participate in the celebrations is to take a Durga Puja festival tour, such as the ones organized by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation (see list of tours and make online bookings here), Calcutta Photo Tours, Calcutta Walks and Let's Meet Up Tours. More information abut Durga Puja, including tours, is also available on West Bengal Tourism's Durga Puja website. Alternatively, for something different, take one of the special Puja tours by tram offered the Calcutta Tramways Company.

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Traditional Idol: Bagbazar

Bagbazar, one of the oldest Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, celebrated its centenary in 2018. The pandal is a relatively simple one with emphasis on tradition and culture. However, it always attracts attention because of its strikingly beautiful idol of Goddess Durga. An exhibition is held on its grounds, with carnival rides and stalls, as well. The sindoor khela ritual on Dashami (the last day of the festival), whereby married women place red sindoor (powder) on the idol before it's taken for immersion, is also renowned. People come from all over the city to see it.

Location: North Kolkata, along the river in Bagbazar. Near the Bagbazar Launch Ghat and Bagbazar Kolkata Circular Railway Station. The closest Metro railway station is Shayambazar.

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Traditional and Modern Fusion Art: Kumartuli Park

Kumartuli Park is a relatively young pandal, having been formed in 1995, but one that has become deservedly popular. It's particularly special because it takes place in the area where many of the Durga idols are handcrafted by professional clay modelers. The organizers believe in thinking outside the box when it comes to themes, so expect the unexpected!

Location: North Kolkata, along the river at Kumartuli Park, just before Bagbazar (ideally, plan to visit both pandals). The nearest railway station is the Sovabazar Metro. It's also close to Sovabazar Launch Ghat.

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Picturesque Lakeside Setting: College Square

College Square Durga Puja. — Dinodia Photo/Getty Images

Established in 1948, College Square is beside a lake; the whole area is illuminated for the festival. Understandably, the crowd flocks to this pandal to see the sparkling lights and their reflection on the water. A special Kumari Puja is also held there.

Location: Central Kolkata. 53 College Street. Near Kolkata University, off MG (Mahatma Gandhi) Road. The nearest railway stations are Mahatma Gandhi Road and Central Metro.

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Monument and Temple Architecture: Mohammad Ali Park

As its name suggests, this pandal is located in a large park. It's another famous crowd-puller, with an elaborate display that showcases magnificent architecture of monuments and temples. The Puja was started in 1969 and the idol has a classic ethereal look.

Location: Central Kolkata.

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Artwork: Santosh Mitra Square

Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja gold idols. — ABHISHEK KUMAR SAH/Getty Images

One of the biggest and most spectacular pandals in Kolkata, Santosh Mitra Square was founded in 1936 as "Sealdah Sarbojanin Durgotsav" and renamed in 1996. The following year, it rose to fame with a particularly innovative theme and has remained extremely popular ever since. It's renowned for its remarkable artwork. You can expect to be dazzled!

Location: Central Kolkata, in the Bow Bazaar area. It's off BB Ganguly Street, not far from Sealdah railway station. The nearest Metro station is Central.

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Pioneer of Theme-Based Puja: Badamtala Ashar Sangha

Badamtala Ashar Sangha is a long standing Durga Puja pandal that also has a special place in people's hearts. From humble beginnings it grew to win an award for creative excellence in 2010. The pandal started experimenting with themes in 1999, and was one of the first in the city to do so. Since then, its themes have been diverse and captivating.

Location: South Kolkata. Nepal Bhattacharjee Street, Kalighat. Right near the Kalighat Metro railway station and Rash Bihari Avenue.

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Reviving Lost Art Forms: Ballygunge Cultural Association

Ballygunge Cultural Association Durga Puja — Wikimedia/Biswarup Ganguly/CC BY 3.0

Ballygunge Cultural Association started organizing its Durga Puja celebration in 1951. It has traditional cultural programs but experiments with various art forms each year. The environmentally-friendly pandal has previously been made with bamboo, cane and steel.

Location: South Kolkata. 57 Jatindas Road, Hemanta Mukherjee Sarani, Lake Terrace, Ballygunge. It's off Southern Avenue and Lake Road. The closest railway station is Kalighat.

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Indian State Themes: Suruchi Sangha

Suruchi Sangha entertains visitors with its arty outdoor display, which is usually themed on a different state of India each year. Although this Puja pandal is more than 50 years old, it first found fame in 2003 when it won an award for the best decorated pandal. The craftsmanship is exquisite.

Location: South Kolkata, in New Alipore near the petrol pump on Nalini Rajan Avenue (close to the National Highway 117 intersection). The nearest railways stations are Majerhat and Kalighat.

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Lighting and Temple Replicas: Ekdalia Evergreen

Ekdalia Evergreen began in 1943 and has become well-known for its outstanding replicas of temples from all over India. The decor and lighting is superb. The pandal also has one of the tallest Durga idols in the city.

Location: South Kolkata, in Gariahat. You'll find it near Mandevilla Gardens where the South Point Junior School is, off Rash Behari Avenue towards Gariahat Flyover. The nearest railway stations are Ballygunge and Kalighat Metro.

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Innovation and Technology: Jodhpur Park

The spacious Jodhpur Park pandal is one of the biggest in South Kolkata. Its themes have been vast and varied, with some years more traditional than others. In 2019, the theme revolved around creation and the pandal resembles a Shiva temple. Ash was used to build it, symbolizing rebirth that gives rise to something new.

Location: South Kolkata. The pandal is at Jadavpur Thana, Jodhpur Park, just off Gariahat Road South. (Jodhpur Park is close to Gariahat and Dhakuria). The nearest railway station is Dhakuria.

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Themes Depicting Rural Bengal: Bosepukur Sitala Mandir

Established in 1950, Bosepukur Sitala Mandir is a multi-award winning Durga Puja pandal, earning it quite a reputation as one not to be missed. It's a leader in unique and unusual themes, often depicting rural India.

Location: South Kolkata, in Bosepukar, Kasba. Drive towards Ruby General Hospital from Gariahat and you'll find the pandal around midway, near Bosepukar petrol pump. The closest railway station is Ballygunge.