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 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 (That’s what Bengalis like to call anyone who isn’t a Bengali!), feel at home.
Bhog, Dandiya, Drama And Maa Durga: Go Pujo Pandal Hopping In Bangalore
Sarjapur Outer Ring Road Bengali Association - SORRBA
Celebrating 10 years of existence, this year, SORRBA is going all out. Naturally, there will be amazing food at the anadomela stalls. Plus, entertainment on all evenings, not least of all dandiya! Apart from pujo and pushpanjali, music acts including a tribute to RD Burman is on the cards.
When: October 14 to October 19
Assamese Durga Puja
Kicking off on Panchami (Sunday), there will be daily bhoj (1pm to 2.30pm), pushpanjali (until 12.30pm) and a cultural programme (post 6.30pm). Additionally, cultural, classical, modern and disco dances, musical performances and a fashion show are on the planner too. There is also a stall by Kashish Caterers where you can load up on 5 different types of biryani!
When: October 14 to October 19
Sarathi Koramangala Durga Puja
The cultural programme at this Koramangala puja has begun with the arrival of Maa Durga already. This also means plenty of fun, dance, music, food and spirituality. There will also be a performance by Jhankar Beatz, a Bollywood dance-drama production on the Astami, Wednesday. Then comes the feasting. Apart from Bengali food (plenty of Fish Fry and Mishti), they’re pushing boundaries with Chinese and Mughlai cuisine too. If you’re looking for more entertainment, on the lost is also Raj Barman, Diganto Rekha, Adriza Chakraborty and Rishi Chakraborty. Plus, dance, drama and competitions (a conch shell one no less!).
When: October 14 to October 18
Jayamahal Durga Puja Bangalore
Outdoing themselves each year, this iconic pandal has an alien, space and the marvels of technology theme this year! Slightly outlandish but hey, remember The Jungle Book one last year? Apart from larger than life decor and set up, expect scores of stalls serving up everything from Kolkata-style rolls, biryani, mutton and more. It’s also a great place to take kids as they usually have talents competitions and fashions shows for the young celebrators too! Dandiya and music will naturally be part of the plans. Oh, you want a DJ. You’ve got it! Head here on Mahanavami that is on Thursday.
When: October 14 to October 19
Barsha Durga Puja
Usha Uthup will be performing at this pandal, and that’s enough reason to go here. In addition to amazing food, markets and dandiya, gather your friends, and follow that Bengali buddy to dance the nights away. There’s DJ on the programme to so we’re suggesting you ditch the fancy footwear in favour of pujo worthy, and dancing ones!
When: October 14 to October 19
Bengalee Association Ulsoor
In usual pomp and grandeur, this association is one of the oldest pujos in the city. Since it’s at the Manpho Convention Centre, it’s free from messy grounds. In addition to a convention centre with a massive food court and shopping bazaar, a cultural program on all the days is expected. You can also look forward to bhog every day starting on Maha Saptami, at noon. Oh, and dandiya. But not just any dandiya...NEON dandiya. Yup, we’re not joking!
When: October 14 to October 19
Socio Cultural Association, Indiranagar
Golden jubilee celebration are afoot at this associations pandal. Starting on Sunday with dandiya and anandomela and finally ending on Dasami with popular singer Kumar Sanu himself performing, you’re in for a treat here.
When: October 14 to October 19
