2023 Kolkata Durga Puja Parikrama

Kolkata Durga Puja 2023

Durga Puja is an annual festival celebrated during Autumn (September – October) mainly In West Bengal, India. During this time, the city of Kolkata become a live Art museum, showing intricate and beautiful craftsmanship of local artist.

In 2021, Durga Puja inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

I was fortunate to go around kolkata and see some of the amazing Pandals and Idols. Here are the Top Pujas in Kolkata one should not miss.

Saltlake FD Block – Dokra Art

Durgapuja, Pandal, art, culture, heritage

This Puja is inspired by Dokra Art. With its roots in ancient civilizations, Dhokra represents a primitive lifestyle and the beliefs of people, going back to the age of hunting (~4000 years ago).This is why figures of elephants, owls, horses and tortoises are commonly seen in Dhokra art.

The elephant symbolizes wisdom and masculinity; the horse motion; owl prosperity and death; and the tortoise femininity.

Saltlake BJ Block – Immersive Light & Sound experience

This is the one with Immersive Light and sound experience . You should be there in person to experience it . The entire experience will transport you to Kailash mountain.

Saltlake CE block – Sundarban Delta

Sundarbans is a Mangrove area in the delta formed by Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers. Despite preservation commitments from the government, the Sundarbans are under threat from both natural and human-made causes.

This pandal creates the awareness on the rich and diverse flaura and fauna in the verge of extinction.

Saltlake Labony Estate – Jagannath Temple Puri

You will enter this pandal through colorful Rangolis. They created the replica of original Jagannath Temple in the state of Odisha, one of the most sacred shrine in India. Over the centuries it has attracted many kings, conquerors, religious teachers , devotees and pilgrims.

VIP Road Sreebhumi – Paris Disneyland

They created the replica of Paris Disney land . The lightshow on the pandal and different disney characters will definitely transport you the magical land.

Dum Dum Park Bharat Chakra – Puppet show

In this puja, Durga is a puppet. The priest and the state think they have the Devi in their control but the artist knows better. They have done a sequel to their last year’s theme. If 2022 was about Amitwa (ego), this year it is Bhranti (illusion).

Santosh Mitra Square – Ayodhya Ram Mandir

The Original Ram Mandir is located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. It is located at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi, the hypothesized birthplace of Lord Ram, a principal deity in Hinduism.

The lightshow and the decoration done on the pandal is marvelous.

College Square – Mysore Palace

An incredibly replica of breathtaking example of Indo – Saracenic style of architecture of the original Mysore Palace located in Mysore , Karnataka. It was built in the year 1912 for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty and is counted amongst one of the biggest palaces in the country.

Chetla Agrani Club – “Je Jekhaney Dariye” Progression of Humanity

The Theme of the Puja is “Je Jekhaney Dariye” showing the progression of humanity through day to day fight against the evils inside and around it.

Tridhara – “Utshov” : The spirit of festival

Once you enter the pandal you will be mesmerized by the amazing design all around you , specially the chandelier and the the classical instrument playing inside the pandal. This is truly celebrating the spirit of festival.

My Top picks from the above list:

Exterior Pandal design – Saltlake FD block – Dokra Art

Interior Design – Tridhara – Utsov: The spirit of festival

Overall – Santosh Mitra Square – Ayodhya Ram Mandir

Hope you enjoyed reading this blog , and is helpful !

Best part is celebrating this time of the year with family and friends in India.