Durga Puja is one of India’s most significant festivals. Celebrated with great fervor and devotion, Durga Puja honors the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
In Kolkata, Durga Puja isn’t just a religious event; it’s a the way of life. For a Bengali, the entire lifecycle revolves around arrival and departure of Goddess Durga during the nine days of Durga Puja. It is a carnival of colors, music, and feasts that engulfs the entire city. Kolkata has close to 4000 pandals popping up during Durga Puja which makes it a grand celebration on a scale that is unlike anything ese. As Durga Puja 2024 approaches, there’s no better time to plan your visit and witness this experience personally.
In this blog I will share the best tips and itinerary to make the most of your Kolkata Durga Puja experience. From exploring the city’s iconic pandals to indulging in traditional delicacies and soaking in the festive spirit, this blog will help you plan your Durga Puja trip in a near perfect way.
Story Behind Durga Puja Festival
Durga Puja celebrates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, according to Hindu mythology. The tale recounts a battle between the two, lasting for nine days and nights. On the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami, Durga emerged victorious. Killing of Mahishasura symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Durga Puja is also the festival of femininity as it is clearly evident in Durga Puja in West Bengal.
In Kolkata, the first record of Durga Puja is from late 1700 when a small community started celebrating this festival and it slowly caught on. In 1757, after the Battle of Plassey (Palashi). a Kolkata aristocrat Nabakrishna Deb bought Shovabazar Rajbari to hold a special secular pujo for Robert Clive. The Pujo tradition is as old as the legacy of Kolkata, but most knowledge folks will tell you that Durga Puja became of this scale as India gained its independence.
How to Get the Best Experience of Durga Puja in Kolkata
The preparation for Durga Puja begins well in advance, offering a glimpse into the intricate craftsmanship behind the festival. If you’re in Kolkata around August, a visit to Kumartuli is a must to see the idol making process.
Talented artisans carefully sculpt the idols of Goddess Durga and her entourage from clay, and also incorporate various themes or requirements given by each pandal. This immersive experience not only provides a great opportunity for photography but also allows visitors to understand Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage personally.
How to Plan an Itinerary for Kolkata Durga Puja
When planning your Kolkata Durga Puja itinerary, it’s essential to plan your time in a way so that you avoid repetition. Arriving on the eighth day, Ashthami, ensures you catch all the important activities like Dhunuchi Naach across various pandals. My personal suggestion is to seek out smaller pandals or find some local connections for a taste of bhog, a traditional offering. Keep track of bhog locations through news portals or you can also book an AirBnb where the hosts will help you plan this tour accordingly.
The pandals during Saptami and Ashthami are most crowded. So this is ideal to plan all the sightseeing on Navmi night when you find a relatively quieter experience. Navmi night is perfect for slow pandal hopping. Allocate the ninth day for visiting iconic pandals, but don’t aim to cover them all; focus on the most renowned ones to avoid exhaustion. Top Pujo pandals in Kolkata include
- Pandals of Behala that you can explore by walking on your own
- Hindustan Park
- Hindustan Club
- Desapriya Park
- Telengabagan Sarbajanin Durgatsab
- Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha Durga Puja
- Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja
- Ekdalia Evergreen Club
- Mudiali Club Durgatsab
- Tridhara Sammilani Durgatsab
- Ballygunge Cultural Association
- Naktala Udayan Sangha
- Shib Mandir
- Barisha Sarbojonin
- Singhi Park
- Badamtala Ashar Shangha
- Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga Puja
- Santosh Mitra Square
- Bagbazar
- Sikdar Bagan Sadharan Durga Puja.
On Dashmi, you can head to Kalighat to witness the visarjan (immersion) process. While you may not be allowed near the ghats, you can observe the poignant farewell rituals from the roadside as devotees bid adieu to Goddess Durga.
Traditional Bonedi Bari Puja
Traditional Bonedi Bari puja, held in the ancestral homes of aristocratic landowners nestled within Kolkata’s tiny lanes, offers a glimpse into a bygone era. Visitors can expect long waiting times among several other festival-goers who come here to experience authentic Kolkata Pujo experience that paved way for the longstanding traditions of the state. The Bari Pujo is characterized by rich cultural rituals and a deep sense of heritage.
Street Food Experience of Kolkata
Exploring Kolkata’s vibrant street food scene is an essential part of any Kolkata tour, especially during Durga Puja 2024. From the bustling lanes of Esplanade to the iconic Park Street, the city is a paradise for food enthusiasts. Indulge in mouthwatering delights like phuchka (pani puri), kathi rolls, and jhal muri (spicy puffed rice) while running and hopping around to see pandals and pujo festivities.
Where to Stay in Kolkata During Durga Puja
Kolkata has several stay options in every area and most of the city is easily connected by road. You can stay in Esplanade, Park Street to stay in the middle of action or choose an area like Balleygunge to commute freely without any hassles. Balleygunge is centrally located and has a lot of small but beautiful pandals that provide a good start to the pandal hopping session that you may miss when you stay at a central location.
I will also suggest booking a homestay or an AirBnB for a personal touch. The Bengali hosts make sure that you get to see Durga Puja in their colony in locality and catch up on a few activities that may not happen when you are exploring on your own.
Tips for Best Durga Puja Experience
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Comfortable footwear is essential to avoid discomfort or fatigue. Opt for shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning to keep you going throughout the day.
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially amidst the festive chaos. Carry a water bottle and drink as much as possible to prevent dehydration and maintain energy levels during the festivities.
Prioritize Rest
Ensure that you prioritize rest during non-activity hours. Getting sufficient sleep rejuvenates your body and keeps you energized for the next day’s festivities. Find a quiet spot to relax and recharge whenever possible.
Choose Breathable Clothes
Kolkata’s Durga Puja is often accompanied by humid weather. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow air circulation to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day.
Plan Ahead
With numerous pandals and events, planning your itinerary in advance ensures you make the most of the celebrations. Research popular pandals, cultural events, and transportation options to streamline your experience and avoid last-minute hassles, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the festivities.
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