Every autumn, Kolkata bursts into life with Durga Puja—Bengal’s grandest celebration and a UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage since 2021. At its heart are the pandals—elaborately crafted, temporary structures that explore themes ranging from mythology to pressing social issues. What sets this festival apart is that no other celebration in India transforms an entire city into a vast open-air art gallery. Streets, parks, and neighbourhoods become living canvases showcasing exceptional artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural expression. Months of community collaboration go into creating these marvels, which seamlessly blend religious devotion with public art.
In a time when cultural expressions are fading in many cities, Kolkata’s Durga Puja pandals stand as living proof of the city’s enduring passion for art, culture, and traditional crafts—where creativity, heritage, and social commentary continue to thrive side by side. Fusing performance theatre, sculpture, illumination design, music, and narrative art, these Puja pandals are truly multisensory experiences. Here’s a diverse list of pandals featuring this year’s most fascinating and thought-provoking themes—each worth experiencing firsthand. The pandals stand as a tribute to Kolkata’s enduring love for art, storytelling, and socially engaged creativity.
The Chaltabagan Sarbojanin Durga Pujo in Kolkata’s Machuabazar honours the Bengali language with the theme “Ami Banglai Bolchi” (I speak in Bengali). A striking tree of languages at the entrance traces the origins and evolution of Bengali, promoting respect for all mother tongues. Behind it, a play inspired by Satyajit Ray’s Hirak Rajar Deshe features a dialogue between a king and jester that highlights the language’s importance.
This pandal gains added relevance following West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s early August criticism of a Delhi Police letter that incorrectly labelled Bengali as the “Bangladeshi language.” The theme also reflects Kolkata’s Durga Puja tradition of engaging with contemporary social and political issues through art and culture.
Address: 122, Vivekananda Rd, Simla, Machuabazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700006
The club behind this popular Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata has earned a reputation for selecting themes rooted in unity, peace, cultural symbolism, and strong social commentary. In previous years, they’ve captivated audiences with thought-provoking concepts like “Amra Ek, Eka Noye” (“We are together, not alone”), which celebrated communal harmony by bringing together elements from a mosque, temple, and church, even blending the Om mantra with the Azaan during festivities. This year, the club turns its focus to the essentials of human existence: food, clothing, and shelter. The pandal explores this universal theme through powerful artistic expression and layered symbolism, making it one of the most awaited installations of the season.
Address: P-225/1, CIT Rd, Subhas Sarobar Park, Phool Bagan, Beleghata, Kolkata, West Bengal 700010
From Feluda to Byomkesh Bakshi, Bengalis have long cherished their fictional detectives—sharp, introspective, and always a step ahead. This year, Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha pays tribute to one of the greats with ‘Satyanweshi Byomkesh’, based on the iconic character created by renowned Bengali writer Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay. The pandal, inspired by the bold colours and visual flair of 1950s–60s comic books, is designed as a giant illustrated strip, immersing visitors in the vintage world of Byomkesh Bakshi. It’s a nostalgic journey into the heart of Bengali literary thrillers—set against the backdrop of erstwhile Calcutta’s timeless charm.
Brushstrokes, graphic panels, and speech bubbles conjure the thrill of a mystery unfolding on paper. At the heart of the theme is a fictional mystery titled ‘Shri Shri Durga Mandir Kanthahar Rahasya’. During the Puja, the goddess’s necklace (kanthahar) goes missing, sending the crowd into panic. As anxiety grows and suspicion spreads, only one man can solve the case—the Satyanweshi, Byomkesh himself. Merging nostalgia, storytelling, and art, the pandal offers a unique cultural tribute to Bengal’s favourite sleuth.
Address: 530, Dum Dum Park Rd, Dum Dum Park, South Dumdum, West Bengal
Tala Prottoy’s Durga Puja 2025 theme, ‘Beej Angan’ (“Seed Arena”), marks the club’s centenary with a powerful, socially charged narrative on nature, agriculture, and sustainability. The pandal explores urgent issues like food adulteration, inflation, and the long-term impact of flawed agricultural policies. The Durga idol here is reimagined as an Indian farm girl—her plough transformed into a trident—as she slays not just demons, but pesticides and policies that have depleted soil fertility over decades.
As Ruth Chattopadhyay of Paushtik Life, a Kolkata-based group that champions farmers’ markets and indigenous cuisines, explains, “Bengal still has over 300 varieties of aromatic rice that are at risk of disappearing if we don’t act now.” Paushtik Life is also an active collaborator in this initiative, curating a display of diverse indigenous rice, pulses, and vegetable seeds. Part of the UNESCO-backed MassArt Preview Tour, this pandal is a call to preserve our agricultural heritage. A must-see for anyone who values food, sustainability, and culture.
Address: Tala, 8/1 Rajkumar Chatterjee Road, Kolkata
Hindusthan Park Durgotsav celebrates its 95th year in 2025 with the theme “Lokoj”—a tribute to Bengal’s rural roots and rich folk traditions. The pandal beautifully weaves together elements of everyday village life, traditional crafts, earthy colours, and indigenous cultural symbols, all reflected in both the structure and the idol design. Lokoj invites visitors to reconnect with the timeless spirit of Bengal’s villages, where simplicity, artistry, and community come alive in every detail.
Address: 51/1, Hindustan Park, Gol Park, Dhakuria, Kolkata- 700 029, opposite Basanti Devi College
What is a Durga Puja pandal?
A Durga Puja pandal is a temporary, often elaborate structure that houses the idol of Goddess Durga during the festival. In Kolkata, these pandals double as large-scale art installations, reflecting both religious devotion and artistic innovation.
What kinds of art are featured in Durga Puja pandals?
Pandals showcase a wide spectrum of art forms—from traditional clay idol sculpting and handcrafted décor to contemporary theme-based structures. They often include lighting art, interactive installations, performance theatre, and even digital video projections.
What themes do Durga Puja pandals explore?
Themes range widely, covering mythology, rural folk culture, historical events, and national icons, as well as urgent social issues like food security, inflation, and environmental degradation. Some even draw inspiration from literature and abstract ideas.
What materials are used to create pandals and decorations?
Artisans work with natural materials like bamboo, jute, and paper, along with recycled items such as rusted metal, discarded wood, and old newspapers. These materials are often chosen to reinforce the pandal’s theme and message.
Are Durga Puja pandals religious in nature?
While they centre around the worship of Goddess Durga, the art in pandals often transcends religious boundaries. Many serve as platforms for secular storytelling, addressing cultural identity, social justice, and artistic freedom.
