Dance, Drama And Bhog: Where To Go Pandal Hopping This Durga Puja 2023

The information in this post might be outdated

Couldn’t make it home for Pujo this time? Missing your mum’s cooking, pandal hopping, hanging out with friends and eating greasy, fried Bong food till you are sick to the gills? Our city may not be able to rival the fervour of the Durga Puja 2023 scene of Kolkata, but we do have our fair share of well-known pujas that have grown over the years and have made many a Bengali or for that matter non-Bengalis, feel at home.

Sarjapur Outer Ring Road Bengali Association (SORRBA)

Apart from the usual rituals, prayers and festivities at this puja, look out for theatre performances, gigs and dances. Plus the kids of SORRBA are very active too, so expect some cultural events from them too. Apart from this, stalls at the pandal will churn out the best of Kolkata street food, cooked by home chefs. Hurry before it runs out! From Sashti to Nabami, there are power-packed performances that include Dandia Night with DJ, Dhunuchi Dance, and Navarasa Dance. 

When: 20 October to 24 October

Where: SORRBA Durgotseb, Doddakannelli - Kaadubeesanahalli Rd, Janatha Colony, Doddakannalli

Socio Cultural Association, Indiranagar

Socio Cultural Association in Indiranagar is organising its 5th Edition of Durga Puja this year and you got to check it out. You can expect a cultural extravaganza with a vast number of food stalls, stellar performances and the puja bhog (food served in prayers to the goddess and then dispersed to hungry souls like us). Expect cultural performances such as Anandmela, and Agomoni (welcome song and performances by SCA members). Plus, catch singers such as Ananya Chakraborty, celebrity food by Chef Sourav Goswami, and dandiya performances. 

When: 19 October to 24 October

Where: Sishu Griha Montessori and High School, New Thippasandra

The Bengalee Association Bangalore, Ulsoor

Ulsoor-based The Bengalee Association, Bangalore perhaps organises one of the oldest pujos in the city. In fact, they’re celebrating their 73rd year this year. So you know it is a celebration you cannot miss. This year's venue is The Bengalee Association in Assey Road, Ulsoor (home ground!). Expect a massive food court, shopping bazaar and cultural program on all days. You can also look forward to bhog every day starting on Maha Saptami, at noon. Oh, and dandiya on Navami. 

When: 20 October to 24 October 

Where: The Bengalee Association, Assaye Road, Ulsoor 

Sarathi Socio-Cultural Trust Durga Puja, Koramangala

Celebrate the arrival of Maa Durga at this Koramangala Puja this year. This also means plenty of fun, dance, music, food, and spirituality. There's going to be Bandemonium, where bands can compete against each other for the top cash prize, NavyaNaari, which is all about celebrating women and their stories, and of course plenty of bhog. You can get yourself VIP Passes and bhog passes at the event to enjoy it at its best. 

When: From 20 October to 24 October

Where: Mangala Kalyana Mantapa, Koramangala 7th Block, Koramangala

Kanakapura Road Bengali Association (KARBA), Kanakpura Road

Amader Pujo by the KARBA (Kanakapura Road Bengali Association) cultural troupe will kick off the Durga Puja 2023 celebration on 20 October and pave the way for a week of festivities and feasting. There is going to be dancing, singing and celebrating the valour of Maa Durga. While there, load up on some street-style Kolkata food, and shop for interesting trinkets too.

When: 20 October to 24 October 

Where: Shankara Foundation, Kanakpura Road, Doddakallasandra

Sanskritik Bengali Association Bangalore, JP Nagar

The Sanskritik Bengali Association Bangalore is another spot in South Bangalore that you can head to this year for Durga Puja celebrations. There's going to be a Maha Shasti Puja to kick on the celebrations and at the end of the week don't miss out on the idol immersion. Plus, plenty of bhog, cultural performances, and activities that you can take part in to make the best of the festivities. 

When: 20 October to 24 October 

Where: Elite Banquet Hall, Puttenahalli Rd, JP Nagar Phase 6, JP Nagar


Bengali Association for HSR and Sarjapur (BARSHA), HSR

The Bengali Association for HSR and Sarjapur (BARSHA) is hosting a grand Durga Puja festivities this year and that includes a 15 feet grand idol of Maa Durga with gold ornaments, a Greek-style pandal with Bengali influences, and a laser show! Plus, don't miss out on the musical performances from bands such as Fakira, and singer Anjan Dutt. There are also going to be over 20+ stalls that will be serving some of the best Bengali food there is. 

When: 20 October to 24 October

Where: Ground Opposite The Cambridge International School, Silver County Road, HSR Extension

Electronic City Cultural Association (ECCA), Electronic City

For folks who live in the Electronic City part of the town, ECCA is doing Durga Puja with pomp and grandeur. It's their 12th year of doing this and in addition to a convention centre with a food court and shopping bazaar, a cultural programme on all the days is expected. Don't miss out on the Dhunuchi Naach, and rock band performances. You can also look forward to bhog every day! 

When: From 20 October to 24 October 

Where: White Feather Convention Hall, NICE Toll Gate, Opp. Metro Wholesale, Electronic City 

Jayamahal Cultural Association (JCA) Durga Puja, Jayamahal

Jayamahal Durga Puja is another one of the oldest pujas in Bangalore and this year like every other year they are doing a grand Pujo celebration. They have musical performances, children's fancy dress competitions, DJ dandiya night, and rangoli competitions. Of course, goes without saying that the food is some of the best we've had when we went here last year so we are expecting the same this year as well. 

When: 19 October to 24 October

Where: Jayamahal Ladies Club, Jayamahal Extension, Jayamahal

Whitefield Cultural Association, Whitefield

The Whitefield Culture Association's Durga Puja is going to be a grand affair as always with amazing food, shopping markets and dandiya. We recommend that if you are a non-Bengali staying that side of the town, to find yourself some Bengali friends soon and make the festivities grand. 

When: 19 October to 24 October 

Where: Durga Puja Whitefield N.R. Circle Road, White Field