Already, the excitement has begun with the onset of durga Puja 2023.
In Kolkata, the Durga Puja festival of 2023 is just a few days away, and the festive spirit is palpable among the Bengalis. This year, Durga Puja in Kolkata will start on the 15th of October and conclude on the 24th. It’s a time of grand gatherings when Bengalis from various parts of the world, affectionately known as ‘Bongs,’ come together with family and friends, creating a joyous atmosphere.
The city will be adorned with vibrant colors, where the glimmering lights around will not only brighten the dark corners but also uplift your hearts. Traditional attire will make people look their best, and the sound of drums will make them dance with joy.
During the Durga Puja festival, Kolkata hosts numerous theme-based and colorful pandals that explode with creativity and showcase various forms of Goddess Durga, attracting huge crowds and elevating it to one of the world’s grandest autumn festivals.
The popularity and cultural significance of Durga Puja are such that in 2020, the Indian government recognized it as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
This blog gives you a glimpse of some of the best pandals you must visit during Kolkata’s Durga Puja festival in 2023.
- Santosh Mitra Square,
- Somaj Sebi Shongho,
- Ballugunge Cultural Association
- Kumartuli Park
- Dum Dum Park
- Bagbazar Durga Puja Pandal
- Desapriya Park
- Tridhara Sammilani Puja Pandal
- ShreeBhumi Sporting Club
- Kalyani ITI More
Kolkata Durga Puja Festival Calendar 2023:
For those looking forward to Durga Puja festivities in Kolkata in 2023, here are the key dates to mark in your calendar:
- Maha Panchami: Thursday, 19th October 2023
- Maha Shashti: Friday, 20th October 2023
- Maha Saptami: Saturday, 21st October 2023
- Maha Ashtami: Sunday, 22nd October 2023
- Maha Navami: Monday, 23rd October 2023
- Vijaya Dashami: Tuesday, 24th October 2023
Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja Pandal:
Known for hosting Durga Puja celebrations for over 80 years, Santosh Mitra Square is an iconic name when it comes to Kolkata’s best Durga Puja pandals. In 2017, this pandal became widely popular by recreating Buckingham Palace, where Goddess Durga was portrayed as the royal queen.
This year, the committee has made decisions to ensure that, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the traditions will continue. Artist Mintu Pal, who sculpts the Durga idol, ensures that this year’s Durga Puja idol will be traditional. Though they are not conducting extensive inspections due to the pandemic, the festive spirit and enthusiasm will remain as vibrant as ever.
Bagbazar Durga Puja Pandal:
Situated along the banks of the river in North Kolkata, Bagbazar enjoys an excellent location. It has been cherished as one of the oldest Durga Puja pandals in the city for over a century. Since this place has been around for so long, it naturally appeals to locals who have witnessed the transformation of the tradition over time.
During the Durga Puja, this location turns into a carnival, where people can enjoy various rides and indulge in delectable dishes, reflecting the changing times while keeping the essence of the tradition intact.
Somaj Sebi Shongho:
Located on the scenic Lake View Road in South Kolkata, the somaj sebi shongho is known for its traditional theme. The theme is designed to include social messages, emphasizing women’s empowerment and responsible parenthood. It’s well-known for involving people in its themes, making the essence of the pandal apparent to visitors. Each year, a grand carnival and exhibition accompany the Durga Puja celebration, with its primary goal being to spread love and compassion. Given the pandemic, this year’s celebration will be smaller but still focused on safety.
Ballugunge Cultural Association:
Baliganj, an easily accessible and traditional venue for Durga Puja, is popular among Kolkata’s residents. Situated on Jatin Das Road, away from Southern Avenue and Rashbihari Avenue, this pandal provides a glimpse into past celebrations. As devotion and love for the goddess are paramount here, the setting takes you back in time to relive the past grandeur.
Kumartuli Park:
Known for its idol making traditions, Kumartuli Park is a famous name for the easy-going and traditional Durga Puja. Located on Yatin Das Road in Southern Kolkata, the pandal is open for anyone to enjoy the traditional ways of celebrating the festival, which comes back year after year. During Durga Puja, it turns into a carnival, with different rides for people to enjoy and foods to savor.
Southern Avenue (Saudan Avenue) and Rashbihari Avenue in South Kolkata are home to several renowned Durga Puja pandals, and this pandal gives you an opportunity to enjoy the traditional rituals alongside everyone else.
Desapriya Park:
Desapriya Park, an event that should not be missed, is famous for Durga Puja in Kolkata. It was renowned for its grand carnival and exhibition with the idol towering at 88 feet, marking itself as one of Kolkata’s most popular Durga Puja pandals. Although it had to be closed after the 2015 incident, in the past two years, it has regained its popularity.
Devotees’ devotion and love for the goddess were profound during that time, and the setting takes you on a journey into the past, commemorating previous celebrations. This year, the celebration will be on a smaller scale due to the pandemic, ensuring people’s safety.
Dam Dam Park, Youth Association:
If someone wants to witness the enchantment of creative artistry and social fervor, then during Kolkata’s Durga Puja festival, a visit to Dam Dam Park, Youth Association is an absolute must.
Every year, they illuminate with various themes and artistic sculptures that captivate the minds of the visitors and treat their eyes with vibrant hues. Dam Dam Park, Youth Association Durga Puja Committee, like a… paints a vivid picture of the festival and, therefore, their most crucial adornment for the Puja pandal is the display of bright colors.
Moreover, they bring out an independent form of Goddess Durga that holds a unique character, in contrast to a theme-based and colorful ambiance.
Dam Dam Park, Youth Association Durga Puja Committee is dedicated to bringing forward creative and colorful themes, so be prepared to be part of an ever-increasing crowd. Just like in 2020, this year also, the celebration will be minimalist to save on needless expenses.
Tridhara Sammilani Puja Pandal:
Rasbihari Avenue, Manohar Pukur Road, and Mahanirban Road converge at Tridhara Sammilani Durgotsav, another popular Durga Puja in South Kolkata.
But alongside the financial aspect, it amalgamates thoughts of three generations – the Senior, the Present, and the Future Youth. It is a place where tradition, culture, and social activities blend seamlessly.
In 1947, it began in a very humble and serene ambiance… today, it stands as a witness to millions of people.
Every year, the committee immerses itself in innovative and creative pandals and took the Puja forward by introducing a traditional Terracotta style from Vishnupur in 2007, the Padmanabhapuram Palace of Kerala in 2008, the South Indian Mahadev Temple in 2009, ‘Vishnupur’ in 2010, and a Rajasthani Haveli in 2011. Thus, it is one of the top Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata.
Shreebhumi Sporting Club:
Kolkata’s Shreebhumi Sporting Club Durga Puja is an exclusive and high-profile celebration. This year, in 2023, they come with a fantastic theme, “Disneyland,” and a grand celebration is in store for this year.
The inauguration ceremony of Shreebhumi Durga Puja and the work for constructing the pandal and the idol of Veerbhumi are underway. This Puja is also a part of the Red Road Carnival. Disneyland, Shri Bhumi Durga Puja 2023, is the most anticipated theme in Kolkata. The Puja started in 1969. Shri Bhumi Sporting Club hosts this annual Puja and is among the top Pujas in Kolkata. Every year, they bring forth a unique and fantastic theme. During the festival, Shreebhumi’s sports field gets decked up with royal splendor. Their massive pandal and the mesmerizing idol of Goddess Durga provide a feeling of being on a movie set.
Kalyani ITI More:
Inspired byChina’s Grand Lisboa in Macau, Kalyani ITI presents an astonishing architectural marvel that stands tall at 160 feet. It’s a breathtaking sight that will leave you awestruck. This year, the excitement is even more because Kalyani Durga Puja pandal is inspired by the Grand Lisboa Hotel and Casino. The pandal is currently under construction, but the Lumina’s Club promises that it will be the biggest and most extraordinary Durga Puja pandal in the country.
The pandal will be created by Grand Lisboa Hotel and Casino, renowned for its iconic Lotus-shaped tower and the Golden Gourd. It will be adorned with thousands of glittering lights, and it will feature various interactive features, including a laser show and a water fountain display.
Kalyani Durga Puja pandal is famous for its intricate decorations, attention to detail, and innovative use of technology, making it one of West Bengal’s most popular tourist attractions during the Durga Puja festival.
