The Ultimate First-Time Durga Puja Checklist: 30 Things to See, Do & Eat

If you're someone who's visiting for the first time or you're back home just for Durga Puja, these are very quintessential Bengali things that one does. It ranges from pre-pujo planning to plans randomly changing, shopping, dancing, eating anything and everything and simply having the time of your life! And these are the things you should definitely do with your family, your friends and your partners!

Bengali families, to this day, collect the Pujo barshikis. It is the yearly special publication published by the state's major media houses – Ananda Bazar Patrika by the ABP Group. Keep an eye out for the special edition of Desh, which is a magazine filled with poetry, fiction, and some outstanding work by both established and up-and-coming artists. Fond of stories around mystery, puzzles, and really creative cartoons by regional artists? Anandamela magazine is where you will find it. This one’s a children’s favourite!

Price: INR 80 - INR 200

Where To Buy: Oxford Bookshop, Ananda Bookshop, any of the major newsstands located on Park Street and Lake Market, Starmark in South City Mall.

Okay, hear us out. You have to have a good set of clothes that can take you through the entire week of the festivities. But here's the thing; shopping is fun only when you plan your outfits around the day. Most of us have almost 3-6 outfits for one day only. So, you can imagine how much we splurge on festive clothing that will keep us fashionable from Shashti to Dashami. Plus, all the stores and shops have fresh drops and there's always a 50% - 70% sale, so why not?

Most of you must be aware of Kumortuli, but there's a lesser-known walk located near Kalighat. As the name suggests, 'Patuapara' refers to both places and is home to the artisan community in Kolkata. You can simply explore the gullies and alleys while taking Insta-worthy images in your puja attire. Did you know that the idols made here are also sent across India and abroad? While you're in Kalighat, do not forget to visit the Kali Mandir.

How To Reach: Nerarest metro station for Kumortuli is Soavabazar station. For Kalighat, it is Kalighat station.

LBB Tip: Please be mindful and respectful of the artisans. It's their place of work.

This year, Mahalaya is on 21 September. It is thought to invoke the advent of Goddess Durga on Earth to combat evil. The 15-day Pitru Paksha, during which people honour their ancestors and ask for their blessings, also comes to a conclusion in Mahalaya. The Mahishasura Mardini hymn, which tells the account of Durga's triumph over the demon Mahishasura, is read by the renowned Birendra Kishore Ray to commemorate the day. Thousands tune in each year to enjoy the festive atmosphere and listen.

Timing: 4 AM, All India Radio

All the hard work, the ideas, and the art come together once the pandals have been put up. It's not just about the murti (idols); it's the entire narrative of welcoming Goddess Durga in her home in a fresh way. The entire city of Kolkata comes alive with Durga Puja pandals in every corner. You can go pandal hopping from one to another with your best friends and family. Enjoy the live music and vibrant cuisine that complements these puja pandals harmoniously.

Must-See: Ekdalia Evergreen, Ballygunge Cultural, Samaj Sebi, Mudiali Club, Shiv Mandir, Sovabazar Rajbari, Ahiritola, Santosh Mitra Square, Suruchi Sangha, Sreebhumi, Dum Dum Park, Jodhpur Park, Bagbazar

You can click iconic Pinterest-worthy photos while you're at Maddox. These four days are meant for keeping troubles away and appreciating months of hard work put in behind each and every pandal built, the idols created and the light decorations. The puja which had started way back in 1935 is synonymous with being the adda zone during Puja days. Soak in Ma Durga’s ekchala shabeki look in the signature Maddox Square idol, as your squad keeps you busy over incessant and unadulterated adda. The food and beverage stalls and balloon shooting stalls are there to keep you company. This is one such place where you are bound to come across some known person for sure.

There's always been this 'no rule' rule that during Shasti, you wear a new outfit and on Ashtami, everyone should wear traditional Bengali attire. Shashti is also called Bodhon. It is the process of giving Goddess Durga's clay idol life. Astradan is a ritual that is performed to bestow the 10 weapons on the goddess. Everyone dresses in their newest outfits on this particular day. Next, on Ashtami, we don not only white dhotis and laal par sada saris, but also the finest panjabis to present Pushpanjali.

Timing: Ashatmi's pushpanjali is at 9:30 AM

LBB Tip: If you want to give your prayer for Ashtami, contact your nearest Durga Puja club committee

The 'junction worship', or Sandhi Pujo, is observed for 48 minutes of Ashtami and 24 minutes of Navami, at the exact moment between the two. It celebrates a pivotal time in Hindu mythology when Durga Maa battled Mahishasura and his allies Chanda and Munda. The demons were slain at 'sandhikhon' or 'juncture' by Chamunda, an unfathomable manifestation of Kali Maa, who was born when Durga's third eye opened in unbridled fury. This puja honours the significant, momentous shift in the divine conflict.

Timing: Sandhi Pujo is at 11:30 AM

The one thing that ties the entire festival of Durga Puja is the food that comes with it. First, you have the pujo'r bhog and then—yes, there is street food like rolls, chowmein, phuchka, papri chaat and more that you will find at every food stall that's set up near the pandals, kintu...jodi kobji dubiye khebar khete chao (but… if you want to eat food by dunking the bread), then these restaurants are offerigs durga puja special menus and thalis that you shouldn't miss!

Collect pujo coupons from your individual pujo clubs, then bide your time till you receive the pujo's bhog on Ashtami. Without a doubt, it's the ultimate blessing! The bhog includes khichuri, labra, payesh, and chutney (khichdi, mixed vegetables, and Bengali kheer). It's entirely pure vegetarian and cooked without onions or garlic. It is made with clarified butter or ghee, which you can taste as you take a bite.

Celebrate Durga Puja with a Bengali feast at Pala, ITC Sonar. The menu is available for lunch and dinner. It features appetisers like roasted chicken, vegetable chop, mutton chop, mourala maach, chingri maach er touk, chicken chaap, posto bata, churmur, mutton biryani, bhog er kosha mangsho, kakra kasha, luchi, kalibari aloo dum, sandesh, mihidana, phirni and more. It is accompanied by mocktails – aam pora and lychee. 

Where: Pala, ITC Sonar

When: 29 September - 1 October

Price: INR 2,250

Offering traditional festive thalis and mouthwatering Bengali flavours for lunch, this is another location for the Mahabhoj celebration. It is planned throughout the Durga Puja season, from Saptami to Navami. This menu also features kosha mangsho, shukto, gondhoraj fish ball butter fry, panchphoran murgh tikka, sorse kacha lanka maach, chingri malai curry, and katla macher kalia. In desserts, they have sandesh, mishti doi, payesh, Shaktigar-er langcha and baked mihidana.

Where: The Park

When: 29 September - 1 October

Price: Call on +91 90736 96479 or +91 91635 63602

From Dashami to Panchami, YAYAvar offers a sumptuous Durga Puja feast that combines international flavours with traditional Bengali dishes. Start with soups and festive appetisers like tandoori chicken and bhetki macher chop. Thai curries, doi chingri, kosha mangsho, pulled chicken pie, and Kolkata-style biryani are among the main courses. phuchka, jhal muri, kathi rolls, and other dishes are served at live counters. Desserts are ranging from pannacotta and tiramisu to mishti doi and rasgulla.

Where: YAYAvar, Hyatt Centric Ballygunge

When: 27 September - 2 October

Price: INR 1,299 - INR 2,799

Start with small brick-bites like cheesy fries, crisp chicken tenders, and spicy gandharaj fish fingers. Butter garlic prawns, the Chef's special sesame chilli chicken, BBC khowsuey, spaghetti stroganoff, sizzling dragon and chelo kebab sizzlers, BBC piri piri chicken burger, and truffle pizza are all must-tries. Enjoy it all with festive beverages like a fresh daab cold mojito, KitKat shake or salted caramel popcorn shake.

Where: Black Brick Cafe

When: 27 September - 2 October

Price: INR 1,200

Start with cheese broccoli dumplings, olive chicken dumplings and prawn szechuan dumplings while spiced chestnut delight, three treasure pepper chicken, and dragon sesame prawn make up the stir-fry options. Stir-fry fragrant chilli noodles, tofu with pak choi in vegetable oyster sauce, szechuan twice-cooked lamb, spicy crab meat rice and more. Tropical citrus bar served with grapefruit sorbet is dessert. These are accompanied by cocktails cactus prabha, botanical divine, Eastern indulgence, Jasmine pearl and amber eclipse.

Where: Yauatcha, Quest Mall

When: 10 September - 10 October

Price: INR 3,000

Pujo maach thali, Adbhut mutton thali, Shandaar chicken utsob thali, SOCIAL Chawk to China and Maach-chali China are five celebratory thalis for this Durga Puja. These extravagant thalis, which ranging from large mutton platters and seafood dishes to Tangra-style Chinese feasts, are designed for you and your fav people to celebrate the festival to the fullest!

Where: Park Street SOCIAL

When: 24 September - 5 October

Price: INR 1,500

Aaheli by Peerless Hotels is renowned for its authentic Bengali food. And, we must admit, the warmth is conveyed via the interior design and furnishings. The all-inclusive meal of fish, chicken, and mutton, along with the superb Aaheli mishti doi, is not to be missed. The waiters are also dressed traditionally in panjabi, dhoti, and sarees. To serve your hot rice and other food, the plates are made of kansa, a bronze alloy, and have banana leaves on top.

Where: Aaheli, Peerless Hotels

When: 29 September - 2 October

Price: INR 5,000

Awadhi cuisine is a royal cuisine, and its palette must be on par with that of a king and queen. ITC Sonar's Dum Pukht lives up to its moniker. Step into a world of lavishness. with onyx walls, luxurious couches, and silver Dastarkhans setting the tone for a genuine Nawabi feast where each dish on the signature à la carte menu is entrenched in its own story.

Where: Dum Phukt, ITC Sonar

When: 29 September-1 October

Price: INR 5,000

West Bengal as a whole celebrates this magnificent festival. Every district celebrates in a different way, with customs, rituals, and regional cuisines. See how Durga Puja is observed outside of the city by travelling to a town or heritage village, where the celebrations are more conventional and locally orientated. If you want to, numerous hotels offer unique staycation packages during Puja, complete with festive feasts and cultural events, which we have listed for you right here!

Discover how bonedi barir pujo is performed by taking a full vacation package to Rajbari Bawali. The bodhon, sankalpa, cultural events, durga aarti, gala supper, kola bou snaan, sandhi pujo, sindur khela, and bijoya dashami are among the distinctive rituals that are observed on each of the days. They are also providing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian zamindari thalis every day!

Where: Rajbari Bawali

When: 29 September - 2 October

Price: IRN 20,500 + taxes for staycation packages; INR 2,500 for Puja thalis

Till 28 September, take advantage of the Pre-Pujo weekday bliss, which includes free hi-tea, a Chef's Masterclass, morning yoga sessions, and 20% off food, drinks, and spa services. The Pujo special offerings include 20% off the Sarodia Durga Pujo special buffet and mahabhoj thali from 29 September to 2 October.

Where: Storii

When: 28 September - 2 October

Price: For more, call +918420091515.

Aside from the mahabhoj at YAYAvar, Hyatt Centric is also providing staycations to make your festival days special. The experience, which is intended to thrill foodies, captures the festive energy and cultural extravagance of Kolkata's biggest celebration. Panchami marks the start of the celebrations, which last until Dashami. Breakfast is free for two adults and free for children under nine. Children are given two free scoops of ice cream, while guests can enjoy Pujor Mahabhoj for lunch or dinner.

Where: Hyatt Centric Ballygunge

When: 29 September - 2 October

Price: INR 6,000 - INR 13,000

Mahamaya 2025, the traditional Durga Puja held in Bari Kothi in Azimganj, Murshidabad, is a must-see. Bengal's everlasting tale of art, rhythm, and tradition is woven into this year's theme, Somonnyoy. Visitors can also take advantage of day packages, which include lunch, snacks and a guided tour of the property. A comprehensive Puja experience, tea and snacks, and a tour of the vintage boutique hotel are all included in the Royal Sheherwali Hi Tea experience if you are pressed for time.

Where: Bari Kothi, Murshidabad

When: 29 September - 2 October

Price: Call on +919051200800

Enjoy an exceptional Durga Puja staycation at The Astor Kolkata, which includes arrival drinks, a double occupancy deluxe accommodation, a breakfast buffet at Kebab-e-Que, a special Durga Puja buffet for two (lunch or dinner), and a 10% food and drink discount. For INR 2500 + taxes, guests can also choose to upgrade to a Suite or Heritage Suite.

Where: Astor Kolkata

When: 27 October - 2 October

Price: INR 7,499 + taxes

Your mind is playing 'dekh mon kaash bon dulche je saari,' and with good reason—it's time to dance! Durga Puja is an excellent opportunity to let loose and rejoice in rhythm. After all, Durga Puja is as much about happiness and energy as it is about devotion!

The Dhunuchi dance is devoted to Goddess Durga. Legend has it that Goddess Durga channelled energy within herself while dancing with Dhunuchi. It is precisely for this reason that the Dhunuchi dance is still held on the evening of Maha Navami. It symbolises total submission to the Goddess. And you can perform a Dhunuchi naach with your loved ones!

During Durga Puja, dancing in your saree at Roxy until three in the morning on Park Street is a quintessential Kolkata experience. Their music selection is excellent. Located on two floors, the drinks are well worth the money. I've had certain drinks, like The Roxy and A Good Night Kiss, and they were both excellent. On Thursdays, they have a Ladies Night where girls can get complimentary beverages. You have to try the cheese garlic bread, beer and fried chicken wings and the kebab platter with your drinks!

Timing: Monday to Friday, 7 PM–2 AM; Saturday and Sunday, 7 PM–4 AM

Price: INR 3,000 onwards

Instagram: @roxy_thepark

As the evening fades into night, the music gradually becomes so loud that you can't hear the person sitting next to you. When you are pub hopping during the festive hours, we recommend you stop by! If you're lucky enough to come in during happy hour, you can get some affordable Bira beer. We mean, where else would you be if not Some Place Else? 

Timing: Monday to Sunday, 4 PM - 12 AM

Price: INR 2,500 onwards

Instagram: @someplaceelselive

Contact: 088220 27300

It contains all of the essential ingredients--a fantastic selection of authentic ales, nice knowledgable staff, superb crisps, and a great environment. Seating options include both indoor and outdoor areas. The outdoor seating is very calming with warm lights. Indoor seating, on the other hand, is ideal for music lovers.

Timing: 12 PM - 12 AM

Price: INR 3,000 onwards

Instagram: @pptkolkata

Tantra's bartenders are amiable and productive, which enhances the frequently hectic drink-ordering experience. The well-crafted cocktails offer a pleasing mix of cost and quality. A night out can be more affordable, especially during Durga Puja, thanks to weekly discounts and happy hour deals, even though costs sometimes tend to be higher. It is advised to book a table beforehand to ensure you can sit when you need some breaks between your moves. 

Timing: Tuesday to Thursday, 7 PM–12 AM; Friday, 7 PM–2 AM; Saturday to Sunday, 7 PM–4 AM. Closed on Mondays.

Price: INR 3000 onwards

Instagram: @tantra_thepark

We ugly cry; the city and its people have a festive hangover, but eventually we are back on our feet because we have already started planning for Durga Puja in 2026! Asche bochor, abar hobey!

Dashami is a high-energy celebration featuring sindoor khela, dhunuchi naach, and bhashan dance. In our community, we observe the same rituals and customs, which often lead to friendly competitions over which dhaaki is better and which group can dance with more intensity!

Following the puja that bids farewell to Durga Maa, prasad is given to everyone and bhog is offered to the goddess as well. In front of the idol of Maa Durga, a mirror is positioned so that the feet are visible. This is thought to bring prosperity and happiness. Sindoor Khela begins right after this. Married women use vermilion to wish one another during this time. Everyone discreetly or publicly sheds a tear when the idol is finally immersed in the sea.

Lastly, once, the idol is immersed, everyone wishes each other well, saying, 'Shubho Bijoya.' We seek our elders' blessings by touching their feet. We then hug and send love to the ones who are our age or younger. We visit each other's houses with boxes full of mishti. Every store, shop, and house around the block offers a box of mishti to you and vice versa.