Ask anybody what comes to their mind first, when Kolkata is mentioned. Unanimously people will say “Durga Puja” and why not. The month of October comes with a whole new vibe of glee and merriment. The city of Kolkata decks up in its best to welcome and celebrate Maa Durga’s homecoming. Like every year Durga Puja 2023 is also going to be a gala experience. One of the biggest attractions of Kolkata during Durga Puja is the magnificent, artistic, exquisite-theme-based pandals it harbours. Elaborate and intricately crafted Durga idols and her divine entourage are displayed in beautifully decorated pandals each vying for the title of the most impressive. These pandals are meticulously designed and constructed, often taking months of planning and execution, to create awe-inspiring themes.
If you are planning to go pandal hopping or will be in town during Durga Puja, here is a list of the 10 best pandals of Durga Puja 2023, that you cannot miss.
1. Sree Bhumi Sporting Club
Sree Bhumi Sporting Club is known for bringing something extraordinary every single year. And Durga Puja 2023 is no different. This year’s theme is Paris Disneyland. Last year Sree Bhumi pandal was themed on Vatican. Sree Bhumi never fails to amaze. While traditionally, the festivities take a high note on the last 5 days of the 10-day celebration, Sree Bhumi’s is one such venue where footfall starts right from Day 1. With Disneyland Paris as the theme, it will be very interesting to see how the club curates the Durga idol and the entourage.
2. Santosh Mitra Square
Another popular pandal of the city, Santosh Mitra Square is garnering extra attention this time because of its theme. This year Santosh Mitra Square has recreated Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir as its pandal. Given the temple’s massive size, intricate details and the sentimental value it holds, it is believed visiting Santosh Mitra Square will be quite an enthralling experience. Ayodhya Ram Mandir is tentatively slated to be opened in 2024. The organisers have peaked the intrigue of the pandal hoppers by recreating the revered temple as its pandal theme.
3. Naktala Uddyan Sangha
The theme of the Naktala Uddyan Sangha pandal for Durga Puja 2023 is – Anti-ragging. With rising incidents of ragging, the anti-ragging pandal theme of Naktala Uddyan Sangha is appreciated by one and all. It is a mix of art, culture and social awareness. There couldn’t have been a better podium to spread awareness against this evil. It will be noteworthy to see how the Durga idol and the entourage blend with this social cause theme.
4. Pathuriaghata Pancher Pally
Durga Puja 2023 is also witnessing Durga pandals and their organisers breaking boundaries and taboos around the biological process of menstruation. This year’s pandal of Pathuriaghata Pancher Pally is all about reflecting on creating awareness of menstruation and menstrual hygiene. People all around the city are eagerly waiting for the opening of the Durga idol and pandal of Pathuriaghata Pancher Pally for along with grandeur, the people also like to watch their festivities deliver on causes like these.
5. College Square Sarbojonin
College Square Sarbojonin is one such puja which is known for its grand pandal decoration. The décor and lighting of this puja pandal have always attracted people from far and near. This time there will be an additional layer of magnificent, for the organisers of College Square Sarbojonin have recreated the spectacular Mysore Palace. Replicating the majestic Mysore Palace right at the heart of the city – the people of Kolkata are naturally waiting eagerly to experience this artistic marvel.
6. Pallir Yubak Brinda
Pallir Yubak Brinda located in the northern part of the city at Amherst city has ruffled the interest of all pandal hoppers and even those who are not fond of wading through crowds to see Durga idol and pandal. Reason being? Their theme, which is Chandrayaan – 3. After the recent successful landing of the lunar lander and lunar rover on the moon, it is no surprise this Durga pandal is one of the most awaited ones.
7. Mohammad Ali Park
Visiting the Durga Pandal of Muhammad Ali Park on its large ground has always been a wholesome experience. With joy rides and a series of food stalls right inside the park, the Durga puja of Mohammad Ali Park is known for offering a complete pujo experience in one spot. What makes Durga Puja 2023 special is its theme. It is their 55th year into Durga Puja and the theme is Kedarnath temple. Being able to see and visit a replica of Kedarnath in these auspicious 10 days of Durga Puja has made the people of Kolkata extremely happy.
8. Singhi Park
Singhi Park is one of the biggest names in South Kolkata when it comes to Durga Puja pandal. Singhi Park is known for its artistic Durga idols – every year they bring a new touch of art into the festivities. The theme of Singhi Park Durga Puja is the famous puppet dance of Rajasthan. Such a unique blend of the country’s culture from one of its western states with that of Bengal’s Durga Puja is going to be a cultural excellence.
9. Baghbazar Sarbojonin Durgotsav
Now this is a Durga Puja pandal which is all about heritage. Amidst all the unique and innovative theme-based pandals, if you seek to witness the old-world charm, then Baghbazar Sarbojonin is the place. This place doesn’t boast of thematic brilliance but never fails to be the show stealer. Simply because of the earthly charm that the Durga idol of this pandal offers. Visit this place to see Maa Durga in her doe-eyed motherly avatar decked in white.
10. Belghoria 17 Pally
For Durga Puja 2023, organisers of Belghoria 17 Pally have come up with a unique and spectacular theme – Pyramids of Egypt. The grandeur of this pandal is going to be one to remember. With 66-foot tall pyramid replicas with white sand spread all around to create an authentic imitation, no wonder this pandal has come into the priority visit list of pandal hoppers around the city.
The Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata are truly one of the best blends of art, creativity, and thoughtfulness. If you are planning to hop on pandals this Durga Pujo, make sure you cover these pandals. However, plan your days judiciously as all these pandals will attract major crowds all through the Durga Puja.