With Kolkata's pandals transforming streets into cultural corridors, Durga Puja is all about the craftsmanship, inventiveness, and sheer chutzpah behind the buildings. Whether you choose traditional elegance or bold, contemporary themes, these venues are sure to impress.
Best North Kolkata Durga Puja Pandals Worth Visiting In 2024
Baghbazaar Sarbojanin
This iconic Pujo in Baghbazaar, also the oldest, is over 100 years old and creates the same idol every year without any change in the design, colour or structure but nevertheless continues to be a crowd-puller. The ekchala pratima (idol) and age-old puja rituals make it stand out from others. For more information you can check the website bsde.org.
How To Get There: Take a metro train that goes to Shyambazar metro station.
Date: 9 October to 13 October
Attractions: The surrounding area is a gastronomic paradise! From traditional Bengali sweets to street food classics like puchka (pani puri) and kathi rolls, your taste buds will be treated to an unforgettable culinary experience. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in local delicacies while soaking up the festive vibe.
LBB-tip: You can catch a glimpse of various cultural programs throughout the Durga Puja period, including dance, music, and theatrical performances.
Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin Durgaotsab Committee
Visit Kumartuli Park this year to see how the celebration of their 2024 theme, 'Khuda', comes to life. Ever wondered where artistic excellence and traditional craftsmanship in Durga idol-making truly shine? Kumartuli Park running its 90th year is the spot! Known for celebrating the talents of local potters, their pandal is a must-see for anyone curious about the intricate artistry behind those stunning Durga idols.
How To Get There: Take a metro train that goes to Sovabazar Sutanuti metro station
Date: 9 October to 13th October
Attractions: Many pandal organisers are using sustainable materials like bamboo, clay, and jute instead of non-biodegradable items like plastic.
LBB-tip: You can also reach out to them via the Facebook page. It includes the email address, website address, phone number and more.
Hatibagan Sarbojanin
The 2024 Hatibagan Sarbojanin Durgotsav centres around the theme of 'patachitra', a traditional Bengali art form that features intricate paintings on leaves. The pandal will prominently display this unique design, while the surrounding area will come alive with folk songs, as pata artists share stories through their music. This celebration offers a straightforward glimpse into the cultural roots of Bengal during Durga Puja.
How To Get There: The nearest metro stations to Hatibagan Sarbojanin Pandal is Sovabazar.
Date: 9 October to 13 October
LBB-tip: If you want to know more, you can always connect with the organisers at 094330 52274 or hatibagansarbojonin@gmail.com.
Sovabazar Rajbari
Pandal hopping in north Kolkata is incomplete without visiting Sovabazaar Rajbari. The Pujo at rajbaris are all about simplicity and traditions and that is also reflected in their idol, set up in sabeki ek-chala-style (traditional Durga idols placed on a single platform). You just can't miss the dhunuchi naach and the sindoor khela.
How To Get There: Take a metro train that goes to Shovabazar metro station.
Date: 9 October to 13 October
Attractions: Raja Nabakrishna Deb built one more house on Raja Nabakrishna Street and it was inherited by his biological son Rajkrishna. The rajbari is called Choto Rajbari. It's a short walk from the main rajbari.
Ahiritola Sarbojanin
Ahiritola Sarbojonin is unveiling a unique interpretation of its theme, Kheyalsetu Boitarani. Known for its narrow lanes, rustic charm, and Ganga ghats, North Kolkata provides the perfect backdrop. Sadly, while the innovation is impressive, it truly brings the concept to life.
How To Get There: Take a metro train that goes to the Shovabazar metro station from where you can take an auto or walk. The exact address is 172/C, BK Paul Ave, Ahiritola, Beniatola, Kolkata, West Bengal 700005.
Date: 9 October to 13 October
College Square
College Square’s Durga Puja theme for 2024 is a tribute to the iconic Parliament building of Switzerland, known for its neoclassical design, grand dome, and intricate arches. The pandal will capture the essence of this architectural marvel, complete with the elegance of Swiss detail and symmetry, blending it with local artistry. Located just 1.5 km from Santosh Mitra Square, it offers a unique contrast to their Sphere-inspired pandal, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Kolkata's diverse Puja scene this year.
How To Get There: Take a metro train that goes to either Mahatma Gandhi Road or Central metro station
Date: 9 October to 13 October
Attractions: A laser show performed by illumination artists from Chandannagar.
Jagat Mukherjee Park
Centred around Kolkata’s East-West Metro Line making waves at the Howrah Maidan station in Jagat Mukherjee Park, this pandal blends the iconic Howrah Bridge and the train like a love letter to the metro’s crucial role in the city. Who knew commuting could be this artsy? Just remember, if you miss this one, you might as well be stuck in traffic!
How To Get There: Take a metro to Sovabazar.
Date: 9 October to 13 October
LBB-tip: You can reach out to them on Instagram or check out thier website jagatmukherjeepark.com
Telengabagan
Telengabagan stands as one of the oldest and most beloved pujas in North Kolkata. This year, much like their neighbours at Kumartuli Sarbojanin, they've taken a bold step to spotlight a pressing social issue: food wastage. With creativity as their ally, the pandal will weave together art and awareness, challenging us all to reflect on the significance of mindful consumption. In a city that thrives on flavors, Telengabagan is serving up a vital message that’s hard to ignore.
How To Get There: Take a metro to Shyambazar or Girish Park after which catch a bus or an auto to Muchi Bazaar.
Date: 9 October to 13 October
Shreebhumi Sporting Club
Modelled after the iconic Tirupati Temple this year, this stunning creation will capture the grandeur and spiritual essence of Tirupati, beautifully embodying the message of 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram'—truth, beauty, and divinity. The pandal will be about 100 feet tall, with the temple façade as the main entrance. Motifs of the deity Balaji will be used in the décor, with a milk-white exterior and a golden interior.
How To Get There: Since this is in Salt Lake, take Ultadanga Metro or a Bus to Salt Lake. After reaching either of the station take an auto or am e-rickshaw.
Date: 9 October to 13 October
LBB-tip: You won't want to miss this blend of culture and spirituality! You can just dial 033 2534 0002 for more information.
Pallir Jubak Brinda Club
The Sitaram Ghosh club in North Kolkata will commemorate the Chandrayaan-3's triumph by constructing a sizeable Vikram replica that will serve as the pandal. Maa Durga will be seated on a model of a lander, and the ground will resemble the surface of the moon. The Pandal will be inaugurated by the father of an ISRO scientist, according to the organisation. You definitely don't want to pass up this opportunity to celebrate the feat again!
How To Get There: Take a metro to Mahatma Gandhi Road
Date: 9 October to 13 October
LBB-tip: Call on 098300 15338 if you want to know more.
Naktala Udayan Sangha
Naktala Udayan Sangha is a must see. You might have to beat the traffic to see it but trusts us, the wait is worth it. The crowd matches up to the high of the festivity! Witness the spirit of 'Ekannoborti' come to life in this pandal, where unity and harmony resonate through the very essence of the word. 'Ekannoborti,' meaning 'joint family,' serves as a quiet reminder of our shared bond, a subtle yet powerful reflection of our oneness.
How To Get There: The nearest metro station is Masterda Surya Sen from where you can take an auto.
Date: 9 October to 13 October
LBB-tip: Make sure you have a screenshot of your Google Maps with you at all times!
Santosh Mitra Square
This year, Santosh Mitra Square takes inspiration from the iconic Sphere in Las Vegas, bringing it right to Lebutala with Durga Ma at its heart. With immersive light effects, soundscapes, and stunning visuals, they’re set to make this pandal an unforgettable experience. Known for their bold themes—whether it was the Ram Mandir of Ayodhya or Maa Durga adorned in gold—Santosh Mitra Square never misses the mark, and this year promises to be no different.
How To Get There: The nearest metro station is Sovabazar Sutanuti Metro. Then, you can either walk or take an auto.
Date: 9 October to 13 October
LBB-tip: Carry water to keep yourselves hydrated. This pandal pulls a huge number of people and it can get a bit crowded!
Simla Byayam Samity Durga Puja Pandal
The Simla Byayam Samity will commemorate the 99th year of its Durga Puja celebration in 2024. Recognized as a pioneer of the Sarbojanin Durgotsav, the Samity hosted its inaugural puja in 1926. The Durga idol for this year's festivities has been crafted by Padmashree sculptor Snatana Rudra Pal. If you want to know the history and how this puja came to be, you can just click n their webiste and fill up a form with your questions!
How To Get There: The nearest metro station is Girish Park. From the corner of Vivekananda Road, if you head right towards Girish Park, you'll find the SBI Vivekananda Road branch. Directly opposite it is the Simla Byayam Samity's Durga Puja celebration.
Date: 9 October to 13 October
Attractions: The puja takes place near Swami Vivekananda's neighbourhood.
LBB-tip: The committee is also involved in multiple charity and social work. They are always open to donations as well.
