Durga Puja (worship of goddess Durga) or Durgaotsav is a festival widely celebrated in India especially in West Bengal. This festivity marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and signifies the triumph of good over bad. During this occasion Goddess Durga is worshipped with true spirit and rituals. Durga puja has now moreover become a largest art festival in Kolkata where music, dance and art have become an integral part of the celebration. The city of joy is highlighted with joyous colors during this traditional festival. To worship goddess Durga, numerous big pandals are set-up across the city. Each pandal displays outstanding decoration that attracts the onlookers and the best pandals are given prizes. Every year the pandals come up with different and innovative themes and the best pandals are given prizes. Pandal hopping is the major attraction during this festival. The bright and cheerful atmosphere swaddles the whole Kolkata.There are numerous pandals in Kolkata but few of them are very popular for their decorations and attractive themes. Here is the list of top 10 pandals that are mostly admired during Durga puja in Kolkata:
Bagbazar:With an existence of more than 100 years, Bagbazar Sarbojanin Durgotsav pandal is one of the oldest pandals in Kolkata. This pandal have kept it theme simple but have always attracted crowd with its outstanding idol of Goddess Durga. The pandal has a glorious past and is known for its rich tradition and culture. Kumari puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm in this pandal on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami (seventh, eighth and ninth) of Durgaotsav.Address: This pandal is located near river Bagbazar in North Kolkata. It is close to Bagbazar Launch Ghat and Bagbazar Kolkata Circular Railway Station. Shayambazar is the nearest metro station.
Kumartuli Park:Though this pandal is only 20 years old but is has soon caught attention in Kolkata. It is located in the area where most of the idols of the Goddess are handcrafted; this is one of the reasons why it got easily familiar. The pandal decoration usually focuses on the architectural marvels of West Bengal. The carving is just eye-pleasing. The theme makers always come up with innovative themes and integrate the culture two states, Gujarat and west Bengal. This year it is said that this pandal is coming up with the theme of Dwadash Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The artist will also be creating an imaginative Jyotirlinga in which Goddess Durga with her 1000 hands will dwell with her family. This pandal won the prestigious Sarad Samman Award from the renowned Asian Paints award in 1995.Address: The pandal is located besides river at Kumartuli Park in North Kolkata. It is next to the Bagbazar Pandal. Sovabazar Metro is the nearest metro station.
College Square:Around 65 years old, pandal, College Square Sarbojanin attracts all the art lovers and devotees from different parts of the state. The place gets highly illuminated during Durgaotsav. The light and the music is truly captivating. The sparkling lights and its reflection in water is what fascinates majority of the crowd. On eight day (ashtami) of Durgaotsav, the pandal offers a Special Bhog. Kumari Puja and Sindoor Khela are the exclusive features of College Square Sarbojanin pandal.Address: This Sarbojanin pandal is located in Central Kolkata off MG road. It is on 53 College street near Kolkata University. Central Metro is the nearest metro station.
Mohammad Ali Park:This pandal is located in a huge park. The entire park is decorated with striking and colorful lighting during this festival. It is one of the oldest pandals in Kolkata. The pandal is famous for its large and magnificent earthen idol of Goddess Durga. The interior of the pandal showcases the artistic talent of the City of Joy. From past few years, the innovative themes of this pandal have grabbed attention of many local people. Mohammad Ali Park is must see pandal if you happened to visit Kolkata during Durga puja.Address: This pandal is present opposite to College Square Pandal off MG Road in central Kolkata.
Santosh Mitra Square:Santosh Mitra Square is always a surprise package for the pandal hoppers. In 1997, the pandal presented an innovative theme that awestruck the people, since then the pandal became one of the famous pandals of Kolkata. Many known personalities of the state are associated with Santosh Mitra Square. The outstanding illumination and the splendid artwork is a delight to watch. The pandal presents some modern themes to the visitors. Last year the pandal presented theme of Disneyland, California that was simply mind-blowing. Even this year you can expect to be astonished.Address: It is in central Kolkata of BB Ganguly street. The pandal is in the Bow Bazaar area. Central Metro is nearest metro station.
Badamtala Ashar Sangha:Badamtala Ashar Sangha slowly and steadily has made a place in the hearts of pendal hoppers. It started as a small committee around 75 years ago now it is one of the popular pandals in Kolkata. The organizers use Durgaotsav as a medium to spread the message to target the upheaval of society. The mesmerizing creation is the main attraction of this pandal. The pandal has been publicized a lot from past few years. Badamtala Ashar Sangha won an award in 2010 for its creative excellence.Address: It is located in south Kolkata in Nepal Bhattacharjee Street at Kalighat. It is close to Kalighat Metro railway station.
Suruchi Sangha:This unique pandal, since its inception in 1952, each time presents culture of different state of our country. The Durga idols are crafted according to the state on which the theme is based. Although the pandal is almost half century old, it got its first award in 2003 for its decoration and again it won the award in 2009.Address: It is located on New Alipore road in South Kolkata close to National Highway 117. Majherhat and Kalighat are the nearest railway stations.
Ekdalia Evergreen:Established in 1943 and since then the Pandal succeeded in attracting thousands of Pandal hoppers each year. It is an elaborate pandal with exquisite artwork and powerful lighting. The pandal showcases the replicas of famous temples all over India. Last year the pandal displayed the famous Golden temple of Vellore.Address: Ekdalia Evergreen pandal is located in Gariahat, South Kolkata off Rash Bihari Avenue. Ballygunge and Kalighat Metro are the closest railway station.
Bose Pukur Sitala Mandir:This multi-awarded pandal is famous for its unique and enchanting themes. It is one of the reputed and applauded Durga puja pandal of Kolkata. Last year the theme of the Pandal was Utsoh Shakti and they highlighted the hand-pulled Rickshaw in the decoration. This year, you can expect something more enthralling.Address: It is near Gariahat near Bose Pukar petrol pump, South Kolkata. Ballygunge is nearest railway station.
Jodhpur Park:Jodhpur Park dirge puje is one of renowned Durga puja in Kolkata. The pandal follows a simple and traditional approach every year. The idol present in this pandal is visually-pleasing and beautiful. The themes have always been vast and wide-ranging.Address: It is located in South Kolkata of Gariahat Road. Dhakuria is the nearest railway station.These are the most-admired pandals of Kolkata which cannot be missed exploring by any chance. The decorations presented by these pandals are surely a delight for your eyes and soul.займ на карту без отказов круглосуточновзять кредит онлайн