Living in the capital city, we are accustomed to celebrating every festival with grandeur and pomp. Be it Diwali or Navratri, Delhiites are always up for a celebration! So, with Durga Puja starting soon (4th-8th October), the city is already in action. And it’s about time you too plan your festive tour around the city and get ready for an evening of pandal hopping! So, here’s a list of the best Durga Puja Pandals that you absolutely must visit this season!
1. Kashmere Gate
The Durga Puja Samiti, popularly known as the Kashmere Gate Durga Puja is proudly the oldest Durga Puja Pandal in Delhi. Durga idol is made here in the traditional Daaker Saaj (one frame idol) with crimped decoration in silver and gold. Go here to experience the century-old tradition of celebration!
Where: Bengali Sr Sec School, Alipur Road, near IP college, Delhi
2. Timarpur and Civil Lines Puja Samity
Creating a benchmark of sophistication and classic style, the Timarpur and Civil Line Puja Samity is a must-visit Durga Puja Pandal. It’s a theme-based pandal with a different theme each year. The beautiful artistic idol is the main attraction here. In fact, you’d be surprised to know that they carry the Durga idol on a bullock cart tp the immersion place, which is an age-old tradition!
Where: 33, Rajpur Rd, Civil Lines, Delhi, 110054
3. Minto Road Puja Samity
You have to go to visit the Minto Road Puja Samity to witness the authentic Bonedi (aristocratic) pujo! The Puja came into existence in 1940 and since then it has been maintaining its glory. The sophisticated designs of the pandal, and the perfectly maintained tradition make this a must-attend event during Puspanjali and Dhunuchi Naach.
Where: Minto Road, Kali Mandir, Deen Dayal Upadhayay Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110002
4. Chittaranjan Park Kalibari
The hub of Bengali culture and the commencing point of the major Bengali festivals, CR Park Kalibari, is without a doubt, the most colourful Durga Puja Pandals in Delhi. The temple has its permanent Mandapa for Durga Puja and they make sure to maintain all the religious norms with the priest performing the rites- including sacrifice, bhoga, pushpanjali, yagna and arati. You must visit this pandal to witness the ethereal avatar of Durga!
Where: K1/54, CR Park Main Road, Kali Mandir Society, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110019
5. Mela Ground, CR Park
Mela Ground Durga Puja Pandal holds a very special place in the heart of the devotees and if you haven’t been here yet, it’s about time you go!
Several cultural competitions are organised here from a week in advance. From conch blowing and cooking to football, various sports are also organised for the adults. There are also lots of fun activities for the kids like drawing, musical chair, recitation and song competitions. Do not miss out on the Bhoga Prasad during Navami Puja!
Where: Near Raisina Bengali School, C R Park
6. Kalibari – Mayur Vihar 1
Among the best Durga Puja Pandals for the East Delhiites, Mayur Vihar-1, Kalibari has beautifully maintained the legacy of a proper Bong Durga Puja. They have a permanent Mandap which is decorated in a creative style each year. The evening arati with the rhythmic sound of Dhaak is what sets the vibe here. The delicious Bhoga Prasad is served at 12 noon on all days of the Durga Puja, so make sure you’re on time because trust us, you don’t want to miss it!
Where: Pocket 2, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110091
7. Matri Mandir Samity Safdarjung Enclave, B-2 Block Durga Puja
Those who are devotees of the Goddess must go and visit Matri Mandir Samity Safdarjung Enclave! The Puja here is organised keeping in mind all the religious rites and is said to be one of the must-witness Durga Pujas in the South Delhi area. Not just the idols, but the Pandal also looks majestic and most of the times artists are hired all the way from Kolkata. So go and get lost in the euphoria of festivities at the Matri Mandir Pandal!
Where: B-2 Block, Safdarjung Enclave
8. Arambagh Durga Puja Samity
With a huge budget, the Arambagh Durga Puja Samity’s pandal is an epitome of grandeur and there is no way you can miss it! The Arambagh Durga Puja Samity has gained prominence over the years due to their strong cultural backbones, funding and suitable location. With a super creative theme, they come up with a spectacular pandal each year and should definitely be a part of your Durga Puja festive tour!
Where: 2033, Chitragupta Rd, Type 3, Block B, Aram Bagh, Jhandewalan, New Delhi, Delhi 110055
So, which of these pandals would you be heading to? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured Image Source: Indianexpress
