Durga Puja 2025: Durga Puja is one of the most important Hindu festivals, especially for Bengalis. Members of the Bengali community eagerly await this festival, wherever they are in the country or the world. The festival falls in the month of Ashwin, and the excitement of welcoming Goddess Durga begins.
Although this festival is celebrated throughout India, it is primarily celebrated in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, and Bihar. It is not only a religious event but also a huge cultural celebration.
For Bengalis, Durga Puja brings up thoughts like: “When can we go home?”, “What new clothes should we buy for pandal hopping?”, “What new dishes should we cook for this puja?” It is also a chance to reconnect with school and college friends after months or years apart.
However, many Bengalis living outside West Bengal are prevented from visiting their hometowns due to work commitments and the crowded weather. For those living in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, there are plenty of options where the Durga Puja pandals make them feel like they’re out of their hometowns. Here are the best pujas in these cities, where Bengalis can experience the joy and bring the Durga Puja spirit alive.
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Top Pandals in Delhi
Chittaranjan Park
Often called the “Bengali heart of Delhi,” CR Park is the city’s mini Kolkata. From the rhythmic beats of the dhak and the captivating dhunuchi dance to soulful songs and cultural performances, the pandals here showcase Bengal. And the food stalls? Amazing! Traditional fish fry, butter rolls, delicious Chingri Malai curry, and melt-in-your-mouth sweets await every visitor. CR Park is where Delhiites experience the magic of Kolkata for five unforgettable days.
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Other notable pandals in Delhi:
Kashmere Gate Durga Puja, established in 1910, is one of the oldest pandals in the city, known for its traditional decorations and cultural programs.
Matri Mandir Samiti, Safdarjung Enclave – celebrating its 53rd year, is renowned for traditional rituals and cultural programs.
Timarpur and Civil Lines Puja Samiti – renowned for artistic idols and spiritual performances.
Minto Road Puja Samiti – one of the oldest pandals in Delhi, known for its simplicity and authentic Bengali offerings.
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Top Pandals in Mumbai
Balkanji Bari Durga Puja, Santacruz
Organized by the Mukherjee family, this pandal has become a celebrity hotspot, attracting stars like Rani Mukerji and Kajol.
Other Major Celebrations:
North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Committee, Juhu – Famous for grand celebrations and cultural programs.
Lokhandwala Durgotsav, Andheri West – A favorite of Bollywood stars, celebrated for vibrant festivities and performances.
Ramakrishna Mission, Khar Road – Famous for its spiritual atmosphere and traditional rituals.
The Bengal Club, Dadar West – One of Mumbai’s oldest pandals, offering a mix of cultural performances and rituals.
Top Pandals in Bengaluru
Rajbari Durgotsav by SEBBA, HSR Layout
Celebrating the 300-year-old royal Bengali heritage, this pandal features Mysore Palace-style lighting and elaborate decorations.
Other Notable Pandals in Bengaluru:
Nari Shakti by Bengaluru Durga Puja Committee, Palace Grounds – Focuses on women’s empowerment, featuring female priests and inclusive celebrations.
Ananda Tandava by GGLCA, Bellandur – A blend of Carnatic and Bengali aesthetics; a sustainable Nataraja-themed pandal constructed from renewable materials.
Symphony in Straw by Utsav Durga Puja Committee, JP Nagar – A display of biodegradable straw art imported from West Bengal, highlighting environmental awareness.
Sarathi Socio-Cultural Trust Durga Puja, Koramangala – One of Bengaluru’s oldest and largest festivals, known for its vibrant cultural programs and traditional rituals.