Discover the Best Durga Puja Pandals of Kolkata 2025! Explore top South & North Kolkata pandals, themes, and efficient routes. Stay with Travelseek for festive guides!
Durga Puja in Kolkata remains one of the most spectacular festivals, blending devotion, artistry, and community spirit. In 2025, from September 28 to October 2, the city comes alive with elaborate pandals, innovative themes, and cultural performances. If you have never stepped into a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, you are yet to witness one of India’s most dazzling cultural spectacles. For Bengalis, Durga Puja is not just a festival—it is pure emotion.
The streets come alive with endless crowds, the air resonates with the deep, rhythmic beats of the dhak, and towering, colorful idols of Goddess Durga capture every gaze with awe.
Each year, towns and cities across West Bengal transform into a surreal landscape where centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with artistic innovation. Even if you are not Bengali, experiencing Durga Puja in Kolkata just once will leave you with memories that linger for a lifetime.
We’ve curated the best Durga Puja pandals of Kolkata 2025 by dividing them into South and North Kolkata, Selections draw from crowd favorites, artistic innovation, and heritage value.
Best Durga Puja Pandals in South Kolkata
To explore the best Durga Puja pandals of Kolkata 2025 in South Kolkata efficiently, start from the southernmost and move northward. This sequence covers less distance, using metro lines primarily for quick hops.
1. Behala Nutan Dal
This puja is over 80 years old (established in the 1940s). It’s famous for its artistic prowess, elaborate visual decorations, and creative themes that turn the pandal into a mesmerizing spectacle, drawing crowds from across the city for its innovative craftsmanship and community vibe.
The theme for this year’s puja is “Shibani Dham,” evoking divine architecture and spiritual serenity.
Nearest metro: Behala Chowrasta (Purple Line); if unavailable, nearest bus stop is Behala Thana.
2. Suruchi Sangha
Thriving for more than six decades, Suruchi Sangha is Renowned for thematic depth often addressing social issues like environmental conservation, it features stunning decorations, cultural events, and emotional storytelling.
The theme for this year’s puja is “Ahuti,” symbolizing sacrifice and devotion with profound artistic elements.
Nearest railway station: New Alipur; if far, nearest bus stop is New Alipore Crossing.
3. Deshapriya Park
A century-long legacy defines this pandal, It’s celebrated for its massive scale, including the Guinness World Record-holding 88-foot Durga idol from 2015, innovative events, and grand celebrations that attract global attention, solidifying its spot in the best Durga Puja pandals of Kolkata 2025.
The theme for this year’s puja is “Biggest Durga,” commemorating a decade since the iconic idol with an even more ambitious installation.
Nearest metro: Kalighat (Blue Line); nearest bus stop is Rashbehari Avenue if needed.
4. Singhi Park
This puja is 84 years old, Famous for majestic pandals, exquisite idols, innovative lighting, and a serene festive atmosphere blending tradition with artistry, it’s a highlight of the best Durga Puja pandals of Kolkata 2025 for its consistent elegance.
The theme for this year’s puja emphasizes traditional magnificence with modern artistic twists, focusing on intricate craftsmanship and performances.
Nearest Station: Ballygung railway station ; nearest bus stop is Gariahat if farther.
5. Ekdalia Evergreen
With a heritage spanning eight decades, Ekdalia Evergreen is iconic for replicating famous Indian temples through detailed designs, traditional decor, and artistic excellence, making it a heritage gem that appeals to devotees and tourists alike.
The theme for this year’s puja is the Arunachaleswarar Temple from Tamil Nadu, showcasing architectural splendor.
Nearest station: Ballygunge railway station, nearest bus stop is Ballygunge Phari.
You may also read – 10 Must-Visit Mystical Temples in Gujarat
Best Durga Puja Pandals in North Kolkata
For the best Durga Puja pandals of Kolkata 2025 in North Kolkata, begin from the northern outskirts and head southward to central areas. This route optimizes distance with metro and short walks or autos.
1. Sreebhumi Sporting Club
For over five decades, Sreebhumi has wowed crowds with extravagant replicas of global landmarks and dazzling lights, making it a showstopper in the best Durga Puja pandals of Kolkata 2025.
The theme for this year’s puja is the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple from the USA, creating a monumental replica.
Nearest metro: Dum Dum (Blue Line), then auto; nearest bus stop is Lake Town Clock Tower.
2. Bagbazar Sarbojanin
This puja is 106 years old (established in 1919). One of the most traditional, it’s famous for its mela, Sindur Khela, dhak beats, and historical connections to freedom fighters like Netaji, offering timeless cultural immersion.
The theme for this year’s puja is traditional Bonedi style, emphasizing heritage and community.
Nearest metro: Shyambazar (Blue Line); nearest bus stop is Bagbazar Launch Ghat.
3. Jagat Mukherjee Park
This puja is falling on it’s 89th anniversary this year. Celebrated for pioneering theme-based pujas, intellectual concepts, and boundary-pushing artistry that blend tradition with modernity, it’s a creative standout among the best Durga Puja pandals of Kolkata 2025.
The theme for this year’s puja is “AI Ashirbaad Na Avisaap” (Is AI a boon or a curse?), exploring technology’s impact.
Nearest metro: Shyambazar (Blue Line); nearest bus stop is Hatibagan.
4. College Square
This puja is 77 years old (established in 1948). It’s famously photogenic, with illuminated pandals reflecting in the central lake, stunning lighting, and artistic idols that create magical evenings.
The theme for this year’s puja is Cambodia’s Angkor Wat Temple, recreating ancient grandeur.
Nearest metro: Central (Blue Line); nearest bus stop is College Street.
5. Santosh Mitra Square
With nearly nine decades of grandeur, this pandal is famed for innovative themes and patriotic tributes are consistently surprising visitors.
The theme for this year’s puja is “Operation Sindoor,” honoring the Indian Armed Forces.
Nearest metro: Central (Blue Line); nearest bus stop is Moulali Crossing.
Suggestions for Efficient Pandal Hopping
To make the most of the best Durga Puja pandals of Kolkata 2025 while covering less distance, follow these tailored guides. Use the Kolkata Metro for speed and to avoid traffic—it’s efficient, affordable, and runs extended hours during the festival. Carry water, wear comfortable shoes, and visit evenings for lights but be careful while visiting in peak crowd.
Guide for South Kolkata: Start your journey at Behala Nutan Dal in the south (reach via Purple Line metro or bus). From there, it’s a short 4-5 km northward auto or bus ride to Suruchi Sangha in New Alipore. Next, hop 3 km east to Deshapriya Park via Kalighat Metro or walk if energetic. Singhi Park is just 1-2 km away, easily walkable or a quick auto. End at Ekdalia Evergreen, another 1 km north, accessible via Rabindra Sadan Metro. This route spans about 10-12 km total, doable in 4-6 hours with short transits, focusing on southern to central South Kolkata for minimal backtracking.
Guide for North Kolkata: Begin with Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town (arrive via Dum Dum Metro and auto). Then, head 8-10 km south by bus or metro to Bagbazar Sarbojanin at Shyambazar. Jagat Mukherjee Park is nearby, just 1 km walk or auto. Proceed 3-4 km south to College Square via Shyambazar to Central Metro. Finally, Santosh Mitra Square is 1-2 km east, walkable or short bus. This optimized path covers 15-18 km, ideal for 5-7 hours, moving from northern suburbs to central heritage zones without unnecessary detours.
Conclusion
The Durga Puja pandals of Kolkata weave art, devotion, and innovation into a vibrant tapestry of celebration. From Behala Nutan Dal’s divine “Shibani Dham” to Sreebhumi’s majestic Akshardham replica, each pandal dazzles with heritage and creativity. stay with Travelseek for more such articles and embrace the joy of discovery! Exploring these best Durga Puja pandals of Kolkata 2025 offers a perfect mix of tradition and innovation—happy hopping!
Related video, Source YouTube – https://youtu.be/eTkBDoy0ZTM?si=GaCYzFqTIk0ksyrf
