Durga Puja is a festival that takes place not just in Kolkata, but also in other regions around West Bengal. Howrah is undoubtedly one of the most famous. Yes, this is the location of the historic Howrah Station, the Howrah Bridge, as well as the famed ghats of Kolkata and the Ganges that border the area. So, if you want to move beyond Kolkata and pandal hop, Howrah should be on your list.
These Pandals In Howrah Will Bowl You Over with Their Unique Themes
Ghasbagan Sporting Club
They are known to pick unique themes every year. Last year, their focus was on the different planets in the universe. Before that, they recreated the tallest Pujo idol in Deshapriya Park. One of the most unique features is their display of all the nine incarnations of Ma Durga every year.
Howrah Saraswati Club
One of the most popular Pujo pandals in Howrah, this one is a must visit for all pandal hoppers. Their theme for this year is the importance of newspapers not just for information and knowledge but also in daily life - to make thongas, sell it off, as wrapping paper, etc. All of it is displayed using 3D cutouts while the pandal, as a whole, has been decorated with thin newspaper sticks. There's also a tree made using newspapers right in the middle of the pandal.
Salkia Durgotsav Barowari
The idol at this 147-year-old Pujo is done in sabeki style. Over 2,000 trees have been planted at the mandap and in the surrounding areas in discarded plastic bottles to create awareness about climate change. Once the Pujo is over, all of it will be distributed among school children.
Swamijee Sporting Club
Another popular Pujo in Howrah, Swamijee Sporting Club is also known for its unique themes. This year, they are recreating the famous Swaminarayan Mandir in Kolkata. Stop by this Pujo for sure if you go pandal hopping in Ichapur.
Bally Deshbandhu Club
One of the oldest clubs in Howrah, Bally Deshbandhu Club is a must-visit not just for its sprawling pandal but also light decorations. The club also organises a huge mela every year with loads of games, rides and street food stalls. Besides, they have special arrangements in place for specially-abled and elderly people.
Howrah 6-Er Pally
Relive your childhood at this pandal in Kadamtala that's turning 75 this year. Remember those old toys that have vanished into oblivion, thanks to mobile and video games? Well, get a glimpse of those iconic toys - ludo, dolls, gilli danda, kites, paper boats - installed here. With three sections displaying plastic, paper and toys sold in village melas, this Pujo is sure to take you on a trip down memory lane.
Chittarajan Smriti Mandir
Located near Kadamtala bus stand, this Pujo is going eco-friendly this year. The pandal is being done up using different kinds of baans, bamboo and hay. They've also recreated village-style houses.
Subal Smriti Sangha
This Pujo in Kadamtala is showcasing Hieroglyphics this year. Hieroglyph is a form of pictorial writing found on ancient Egyptian monuments. They represent objects as well as groups of sounds. Unique, no? Then, why not add this to your list of pandals to visit.
Belur Math
You just cannot miss the celebration at Belur Math during Durga Puja. The idol is in sabeki style according to old traditions and customs. All the rituals are performed by the priests at the temple amidst the chanting of hymns. Belur Math is known for performing the Kumari Pujo where the monks of the Ramakrishna Order at Belur Math worship a young girl as a goddess on Ashtami.