Durga Puja 2025: Top Pandals to Visit in Kolkata

Durga Puja is the heartbeat of Kolkata. From the very first day of Goddess Durga’s invocation, the city begins to shift. Excitement gradually unfurls across every lane–artisans add final touches to majestic idols, streets light up with colours and anticipations, and people gear up for days of pandal-hopping, feasting and celebration.

With over 3,000 pandals spread across the city, each with their own theme and traditions, it can get overwhelming to navigate them, especially as first-time visitors.

If you are planning to participate in this grand festival in Kolkata, a little guidance on where to go does help. Therefore, this blog will cover the best pandals to visit in Kolkata that cannot be missed.

Understanding the Origin of Durga Puja Festival

According to the Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga was the manifestation of the Kings and Gods energies and represented divine feminine energy. She slayed the demon king Mahishasura, after which she returned home with her children.

This is why her return to her maternal home after vanquishing the evil is celebrated with much grandeur for ten days. That is why you cannot miss this festival celebrated with splendour.

Durga Puja 2025 Dates And Schedule

While festivities start on 21st September with Mahalay, Durga Puja will commence on the 28th of September 2025 (Sashti) and end on 2nd October (Dashami).

Celebrating Durga In The Soul of Kolkata: Top Pandals To Visit In Kolkata

During Durga Puja, the entire city turns into a living art gallery. But with thousands of pandals across the city, where should you go? Here are some top pandals to visit in Kolkata:-

1. Sreebhumi Sporting Club

Credit: The Hindu

Location: Sreebhumi, near Lake Town

This pandal is the city’s most popular and truly crowd-pulling attraction, known for its jaw-dropping designs. In past years, they have recreated iconic landmarks such as Vatican city, leaving devotees in awe.

This year, their theme will recreate BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardhan Temple in New Jersey which will be a sight to behold. This Durga puja kolkata 2025 pandal is a must-visit.

2. Ekdalia Evergreen Club

Location: Ekdalia, near Gariahat

Ekdalia Evergreen is one of the top Durga puja pandals in Kolkata, famously known for their tall idols and majestic recreation of famous Indian temples. It is one of the most visited pandals in Kolkata since it creates the tallest idol of Durga in the city.

This year, they will recreate Tamil Nadu’s Arunachaleswarar Temple and it is guaranteed to impress.

3. Kumartuli Park

Location: Situated in North Kolkata, just before Bagbazar.

Known to be the idol maker’s hub, Kumartuli Park pandal displays Goddess Durga in the most amazing way. They blend old-fashioned art with modern themes all handcrafted by clay makers.

In 2025, the theme at this pandal expects to be ambition and identity so be ready to be blown away.

4. Badamtala Ashar Sangha

Location: Badamtala, near Kalighat

Badamtala is famous for its simple yet heartfelt creations. It’s quite old and a people’s favourite, reflecting the community’s team spirit and devotion. This year, their theme may target social issues and traditional narratives. It’s a must-visit for truly meaningful and heartfelt pandal-hopping.

5. Suruchi Sangha

Location: New Alipore, South Kolkata

Known to be one of the most decorated pandals in the city, Suruchi Sangha pandal depicts an Indian state with mesmerising art installations. It is worth noting that they win many accolades which further proves why you must visit this pandal while in Kolkata.

6. Jodhpur Park

Location: Near Jadavpur Thana in South Kolkata

Another popular pandal, Jodhpur park is a cultural affair of performances and games. Besides this, the idols are amazingly innovative with a blend of both traditional and modern media. Be a witness to dazzling lights, reverent rituals and stunning visuals upon visitation to this pandal.

7. Dum Dum Park Bharat Chakra Club

Location: South Dumdum, Kolkata

This pandal, amongst the many, is a crowd puller that brings in devotees from a number of states. The strong suit of this pandal is the spectacular display of colours and the diverse forms of Goddess Durga. It’s truly a sight to behold with larger-than-life idols, bustling markets, and cultural programs.

Essential Pandal Hopping Tips to Keep in Mind When You Are in Kolkata

Follow these tips for a safe and comfortable pandal-hopping:-

1. Travel Smart: Create a checklist of all the pandals you want to visit and map out their distance. Accordingly, use the metro to cover all pandals in your list.

2. Plan Location Wise: If you’re in one particular part of the city, say in North Kolkata, then dedicate one evening to covering pandals in that area.

3. 3. Best Time to Visit: If you want to avoid crowds and quickly offer your prayers, early mornings are an ideal time. However, if you prefer the festive buzz, evenings are best for an exhilarating

4. Pack Essentials: Festive season draws in a lot of devotees which is why there will be long queues and crowds. Therefore, wear comfortable shoes and carry water bottles with you.

5. Be Patient: Crowds and queues are part of any grand-scale festivities. Therefore, no matter the situation it is important to stay and be patient with everyone.

Celebrate Durga Puja With Grandeur in Kolkata!

There are truly no words to describe the experience of honouring and celebrating Goddess Durga in Kolkata on such a grand scale. No matter the scale of the pandal, whether it’s popular or not, every pandal honours Goddess Durga with the same intensity.

It’s undeniably true that the city will leave you spellbound, the moment you enter Kolkata for this celebration. You will laugh with strangers, appreciate the craftsmanship behind idols, indulge in staple food and carry the devotion for Goddess Durga long after you leave. Good luck pandal-hopping!