Durga Puja in Kolkata is not only the city’s biggest festival but a cultural phenomenon that transforms every corner into a display of art, devotion, and innovation. This annual celebration brings together millions of people who visit the pandals (temporary structures) created by various clubs, each designed with unique themes ranging from social issues to architectural wonders. In 2024, some of the most iconic pandals are set to captivate both locals and tourists with their creativity and significance. Here’s a guide to the top pandals this year and how you can visit them.
1. Sreebhumi Sporting Club: Shri Venkateswara Temple of Tirupati
Famous for its monumental replicas of global landmarks, Sreebhumi Sporting Club will recreate the grandeur of the Shri Venkateswara Temple of Tirupati. Expect stunning architecture that mirrors the temple’s intricacies, adorned with lighting that makes it a visual spectacle.
- How to Reach: Sreebhumi is located near Lake Town. The closest metro station is Belgachia (Line 1), and from there, you can take an auto or cab. Alternatively, take a bus that passes through VIP Road.
2. Santosh Mitra Square: The Sphere of Las Vegas
This year, Santosh Mitra Square will transport visitors to Las Vegas with a recreation of the famous Sphere, an architectural marvel known for its futuristic design. The pandal will be a fusion of modernism and tradition, offering a unique visual experience.
- How to Reach: Located in Central Kolkata, near Sealdah, Santosh Mitra Square is easily accessible by metro. The nearest station is Sealdah (East-West Line), and from there, it’s a short walk or rickshaw ride.
3. Kumartuli Sarbojonin Durgotsav: Farmers’ Protest
Kumartuli, the city’s hub for idol-making, will highlight the ongoing farmers’ protest in India through its pandal design. The installation will address the struggles faced by farmers, presented through poignant and artistic visuals.
- How to Reach: Kumartuli is well-connected by the metro. Shobhabazar Sutanuti (Line 1) is the nearest station, and from there, a short walk will bring you to the pandal.
4. College Square: Switzerland Parliament House
One of the city’s most picturesque settings, College Square will present a replica of the Switzerland Parliament House, surrounded by its iconic lakeside setting. The lighting and the water reflection add to the pandal’s serene yet grand atmosphere.
- How to Reach: Located near Calcutta University, College Square is best accessed via the Central metro station (Line 1). From there, it’s a brief walk to the venue.
5. Telengabagan: Food Wastage Awareness
Telengabagan will focus on raising awareness about food wastage, an increasingly relevant issue. The pandal will depict this through creative art installations, making visitors reflect on the importance of sustainability.
- How to Reach: Situated near Ultadanga, the nearest metro station is Belgachia (Line 1), followed by a short auto or cab ride.
6. Kabiraj Bagan Sarbojonin: Kolkata’s Underwater Metro
Kabiraj Bagan Sarbojonin takes inspiration from the city’s engineering marvel, the Kolkata Underwater Metro. The pandal will offer a futuristic design that pays tribute to this landmark project, reflecting the city’s growth and progress.
- How to Reach: Located near Cossipore, the closest metro station is Shyambazar (Line 1), from where you can easily reach the pandal by auto or bus.
7. Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha: Natural Disasters Due to River Disruptions
This pandal will highlight the consequences of human intervention in river ecosystems, focusing on natural disasters like floods and droughts. The display will be both educational and artistic, encouraging more eco-conscious behavior.
- How to Reach: Dum Dum Park is close to the Kestopur area. The nearest metro station is Belgachia (Line 1), and you can then take a bus or auto.
8. Ekdalia Evergreen Club: Puri Jagannath Temple
Known for its traditional grandeur, Ekdalia Evergreen Club will recreate the famous Puri Jagannath Temple this year. The pandal will feature intricate designs that mirror the spiritual and cultural significance of the temple.
- How to Reach: Situated in Ballygunge, Ekdalia Evergreen is accessible via the Kalighat metro station (Line 1), followed by a short rickshaw ride.
9. Chetla Agrani: Ganga Pollution
Chetla Agrani will focus on the pressing issue of pollution in the Ganga river. The pandal aims to raise awareness about the river’s deteriorating condition and encourage visitors to participate in its preservation.
- How to Reach: Chetla is located near Alipore. The closest metro station is Kalighat (Line 1), and from there, a short auto ride will take you to the pandal.
10. Garia Pancha Durga: Vrindavan Chandrodaya Temple
This year, Garia Pancha Durga will showcase a detailed replica of the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Temple, one of the largest temples in the world. Visitors can expect exquisite craftsmanship that captures the spiritual essence of Vrindavan.
- How to Reach: Garia is accessible via the Kavi Nazrul metro station (Line 1). From there, take a rickshaw or cab to reach the pandal.
Getting Around Kolkata During Durga Puja
Durga Puja brings millions of visitors to Kolkata, which can make traveling around the city challenging. To ensure a smooth experience, use the city’s metro services whenever possible, as they are the fastest way to get around. Metro stations are located near many of the major pandals, making it easy to hop from one to another. App-based cabs and local autos are also widely available, but traffic can be heavy during the festival, especially in central areas.
For tourists, several guided tours are available, offering an organized way to see the top pandals without the hassle of navigating through the crowd. Plan your routes in advance and try to visit pandals during early hours or late at night to avoid the rush.
Conclusion
Durga Puja 2024 promises to be as grand and vibrant as ever, with each pandal showcasing a unique blend of artistry, culture, and social consciousness. Whether you’re fascinated by architectural replicas like the Switzerland Parliament House at College Square or drawn to meaningful themes like Ganga pollution at Chetla Agrani, this year’s festivities offer something for everyone. Make sure to plan your pandal-hopping journey early and experience the magic of Kolkata’s most celebrated festival.
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