Top 10 Famous Kolkata Durga Puja Pandals

 The Durga Puja Festival in Kolkata is now just a matter of few days and one can easily discover the festive mood amongst the Bengalis. It’s that time of the year when Kolkata comes to life with rhythmic beats, colours & festivities. The level excitement reaches new highs as the goddess arrives. Experience true bliss with melodious sounds of dhak and mantra chants throughout night. There is no better place to experience Durga Puja celebrations in India than Kolkata. It’s all about a mass gather, when the BONGS from different parts of the world travel to reunite with their family and friends, flaring up the joyous mood. It’s the time when you see the city in vibrant colors, where even the darkest corner glows up with sparkling lights. It is impossible to visit every pandal in the city in the span of a week. So the best way to get around this dilemma is to make a list of a few pandals that you wouldn't want to miss. So here are 10 famous Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata that you shouldn't miss.

1. Bagbazar Sarbojanin

Bagbazar is one of the oldest Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, having been in existence for around 100 years. It's a relatively simple one with emphasis on tradition and culture, but it always attracts the crowds with its strikingly beautiful idol of Goddess Durga. You shouldn’t miss this one if you love exploring oldest pandals in the history of Kolkata.

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

2. Kumartuli Park

Though not as old as the Bagbazar pandal, the Kumartuli Park Durga Puja Pandal is one that has grown wildly popular. Kumartuli Park is a relatively young pandal, having been formed in 1995, but one that has become deservedly popular. The organizers are particularly creative while coming up with themes for the pandals.

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. The Kumartuli Park Pandal is located not very far away from Bagbazar and it might be a good idea to wrap up both the pandals during a single visit.

3. College Square Sarbojanin Durgotsav

Set beside a picturesque lake, the College Square Durga Puja Pandal was formed in 1948 the year after India won independence. College Square has a really picturesque setting beside a lake and the whole area is illuminated for the festival. The lights of the pandal reflect in the lake nearby, lending it a surreal effect.

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.

4. Mohammed Ali Park Pandal

One of the popular Durga Pujas of North Kolkata that one must visit is the Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja. Having been in business since 1969, the Mohammad Ali Park Pandal is yet another major attraction during the Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata.

Location: Central Kolkata. Chittaranjan Avenue, Calcutta University, College Square, Kolkata, on Mahatma Gandhi Road.

This pandal is located just opposite College Square. You can visit it in the same trip as the College Square Pandal.

5. Santosh Mitra Square Pandal

When it was founded back in 1936, the Santosh Mitra Square Pandal was called the Sealdah Sarbojanin Durgotsav. It received its new name in 1996. But its real claim to fame came only in 1997 when the organizers decided to get super innovative with the theme of the pandal. The pandal has remained popular ever since and is known for its remarkable art work.

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.

6. Badamtala Ashar Sangha Puja Pandal

This is yet another very old Durga Puja Pandal. Badamtala Ashar Sangha is a long standing Durga Puja pandal (around 75 years old) that also has a special place in people's hearts. Today it is known for its creative artisans that have built upon its reputation and made it a spectacular affair.

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

7. Suruchi Sangha Puja Pandal

Suruchi Sangha is a must visit pandal if you’re fond of sports and cultural activities. Apart from innovative ideas & décor designs. The decorations at the Suruchi Sangha Puja Pandal exhibit the best of different Indian states each year.

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 Majherhat and Kalighat.

8. Ekdalia Evergreen Durga Puja Pandal

Since its birth in 1943, Ekdalia Evergreen has patiently built a long heritage of its glamour. Ekdalia Evergreen Durga Puja Pandal is best known for recreating famous temples around the country. The decor and lighting is superb.

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

9. Bosepukur Sitala Mandir Puja Pandal

Over the years since its formation in 1950, the Bose Pukur Sitala Mandir Puja Pandal has been coming up with innovative themes. Bosepukur Sitala Mandir is a multi-award winning Durga Puja pandal. It's a leader in unique and unusual themes, often depicting rural Bengal.

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

10. Jodhpur Park Puja Pandal

The spacious Jodhpur Park pandal is one of the most popular ones in south Kolkata. Jodhpur Park Puja Pandal became the first to create a Durga idol out of biodegradable materials made with a 3D printer. The mind-boggling feat was widely reported and a record was created.

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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