Kolkata is all set for its largest cultural festival, which everyone has been waiting for, Durga Puja 2025. The five-day extravaganza, starting with Maha Sashthi on September 28 and ending with Vijaya Dashami on October 2, will again turn the city into a painting of light, art, and worship. For pandal-hoppers, this year holds the promise of an eye-popping blend of tradition, scale, and creative themes in South, Central, and North Kolkata, as also the suburbs.
South Kolkata pandals carve creativity
In South Kolkata, the iconic Ekdalia Evergreen Club will showcase a stunning replica of Tamil Nadu’s Arunachaleswarar Temple, while the ever-popular Shreebhumi Sporting Club is set to recreate Delhi’s Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, dazzling visitors with its elaborate lighting. Bose Pukur Sitala Mandir will offer the intricate design and work of rural Bengal. Meanwhile, Jodhpur Park will surprise the crowd with its fresh and experimental themes, continuing its legacy of artistic brilliance and cult.
Central, North Kolkata, and further offer heritage and spectacle
Central Kolkata's Santosh Mitra Square will be the eye turner with its special theme, "Operation Sindoor," paying tribute to the Indian Army's counter terrorism operations. Nearby, Mohammad Ali Park will carry on its legacy of large architectural replicas, usually compared to College Square's showy pandals.
Head north, and Kumartuli Park will offer a real deal experience, exposing visitors to the idol-making corner where Durga herself takes shape. Equally unmissable, Bagbazar Sarbojanin, which is one of the oldest and most high-end pujas in the city, will have its celebration in classic splendor and cultural richness.
For those who are ready to venture out of the city, Myanmar's Hsinbyume Pagoda will be recreated in the Kalyani ITI More (Luminous Club) pandal and Bengal's aristocratic Durga Puja heritage experience will be given in the palace life at Dhanyakuria Mansions.
Tip for pandal hoppers
With official puja holidays between September 28 and October 2, it is best to visit big pandals during the weekend of September 27-28 to escape the crowds and maximize the festivities.
Durga Puja in Kolkata is not a festival; it is a living and breathing cultural spectacle that combines religion, art, and communal spirit. For 2025, the city and suburbs hold out the promise of traveling through temples, heritage mansions, and unforgettable art.
