The vibe of Kolkata during Durga Puja is electric, with the city’s streets transforming into an open-air art gallery. As you step out, the rhythmic beats of the dhak, the aroma of bhog, and the glow of lights envelop you, creating an atmosphere that is so hard to resist. This year, Kolkata’s pandals promise to outdo themselves with stunning themes, grand decorations, and cultural splendor. Get ready to immerse yourself in the city’s festive spirit with this list of the Best Durga Puja Pandals in Kolkata!
Top 10 Best Durga Puja Pandals In Kolkata
1. Dum Dum Park Bharat Chakra
Dum Dum Park Bharat Chakra Durga Puja 2025 pandal celebrates its 25th year with the theme “Aura.” The pandal artistically explores the concept of an aura, the unseen energy that surrounds every being, using holograms, light effects, and shadow play.
Visitors are welcomed by a dazzling spiral ring of LED lights symbolizing vibrant energy waves. Then they are led to a monochromatic, serene space where Goddess Durga is depicted in a rare dhyanmagna (meditative) form without weapons, radiating calm and inner strength along with her four children.
The pandal combines mythology with modern artistry, offering a futuristic yet deeply spiritual experience.
Location: Tank No. 2, Dum Dum Park, South Dumdum, Kolkata
Nearest Metro station: Dum Dum metro station
2. Alipore Sarbojanin
Alipore Sarbojanin Durga Puja 2025 has a very unique theme, “Cha Pan Utor,” which is inspired by the culture of tea.
The pandal showcases artistic paintings with 3D effects on the walls, presenting tea not just as a beverage but as a symbol of its significant role in shaping Indian history, trade, and society.
Its Durga idol has a creative 3D artistic look, with the head and palm made of fiber, blending tradition with innovation.
The overall design beautifully captures the essence of Bengal’s tea culture and its social significance, making it one of the most mesmerizing pandals to visit in Kolkata this year.
Location: 50, Alipore Park Road, Alipore, Kolkata
Nearest Metro station: Jatin Das Park metro station
3. Barisha Club
Barisha Club Durga Puja 2025 theme is “Shunno Prithibi,” which translates to “Empty World.” This pandal pays homage to Bengal’s once-thriving circus culture and its performers, particularly the jokers who hid their sorrows behind painted smiles.
The design is inspired by the backstage of a circus tent, revealing the often unseen struggles of performers whose art and livelihood are fading as circuses shut down across India.
This pandal symbolizes the emptiness left behind by the decline of this cultural legacy, using elements like empty chairs in circus galleries and scattered circus props.
Location: Behala, Sakherbazar, Kolkata
Nearest Metro station: Sakherbazar metro station
4. Beliaghata 33 Pally
Beliaghata 33 Pally Durga Puja pandal 2025 stands out with a unique theme called “Onno Bostro Basosthan,” which translates to “Food, Clothing, and Shelter.”
This year, the pandal showcases a one-of-a-kind Durga idol made entirely of metal, showcasing modern artistic imagination fused with traditional cultural storytelling.
Its theme explores the three fundamental necessities for human survival: food, clothing, and shelter, represented as “Tin Tin Sharto Tin” in Bengali.
The artistic direction of the pandal is led by celebrated artist Shibsankar Das, who collaborated with veteran painter Ganesh Halui to bring this vision to life.
Location: P-225/1, CIT Rd, Subhas Sarobar Park, Phool Bagan, Beleghata, Kolkata
Nearest Metro station: Salt Lake Stadium Metro Station
5. Dakshindari Youth Durga Puja
Dakshindari Youths Durga Puja 2025 in Kolkata carries the powerful and emotional theme “Dahan,” which means “burning.”
This theme eloquently symbolizes the inner turmoil, mental struggles, and suffering faced by women, particularly acid attack survivors, evoking resilience and strength.
The pandal is a tribute to these survivors, spreading awareness about courage and hope, and highlighting the triumph of good over evil through artistic and devotional expression.
Location: 17 No, Playground, Dakshindari Road, Ward Number 35, South Dumdum, Kolkata
Nearest Metro station: Salt Lake Stadium Metro Station
6. Ekdalia Evergreen Club
Ekdalia Evergreen Club Durga Puja 2025 in Kolkata features a grand and culturally rich theme inspired by the Arunachalesvara Temple of Tamil Nadu.
The pandal beautifully brings to life this iconic South Indian temple, blending Tamil architectural style and cultural motifs with the vibrant traditions of Bengali Durga Puja celebration.
Its theme signifies a fusion of cultural heritage and artistic imagination, showcasing the temple’s majesty and spiritual essence through intricate decorations and sculptures.
Location: 15 Ekdalia Road, Ballygunge, Kolkata
Nearest Metro station: Kalighat Metro Station
7. Deshapriya Park
Deshapriya Park Durga Puja 2025 in Kolkata is making a grand comeback with the theme “Boro Durga” (Giant Durga idol), a spectacular sight that revives memories of its past record-breaking celebrations.
Known for hosting some of the tallest and most elaborate Durga idols, Deshapriya Park made headlines in 2015 by creating the world’s tallest Goddess Durga idol at 88 feet.
This year’s celebration aims to bring back that sense of awe and grandeur with a towering and intricately designed Durga idol.
Location: Rash Behari, Manoharpukur, Kalighat, Kolkata
Nearest Metro station: Kalighat Metro Station
8. Jagat Mukherjee Park
Jagat Mukherjee Park’s Durga Puja pandal for 2025 features a futuristic theme titled “AI: Boon or Bane.” The pandal creatively merges technology with tradition, portraying a world 50 years ahead where humans and robots coexist uneasily.
Its design resembles a giant time machine with a robotic cityscape, highlighting the complex relationship between humanity and AI.
The idol of Goddess Durga symbolizes the triumph of human values over technological dominance, with Mahishasura depicted as the darker side of AI, representing threats like manipulation and loss of control.
Location: 79A, Jatindra Mohan Avenue, Sovabazar, Kolkata
Nearest Metro station: Shyambazaar Metro Station
9. Sreebhumi Sporting Club
The Sreebhumi Sporting Club Durga Puja 2025 features a spectacular pandal with the theme “Swaminarayan Temple.”
The pandal opened to the public with a grand inauguration by Bengali superstar Dev, attracting massive crowds on the very first day.
It is known for its unique concept, intricate decorations, and a dazzling idol of Maa Durga, where the goddess is depicted as floating, creating a visually stunning experience.
The idol is crafted by artist Pradeep Rudra Pal, and the theme beautifully represents the spiritual and architectural grandeur of the Swaminarayan Temple.
Location: 198, Canal Street, Sreebhumi, Lake Town, South Dumdum, Kolkata
Nearest Metro Station: Sovabazaar Metro Station
10. Baghbazaar Sarbhojanin
The Baghbazar Sarbhojanin Durga Puja 2025 celebrates its theme around the “Meenakshi Temple,” representing the grandeur and spiritual heritage of this iconic South Indian temple.
The pandal features intricate wood, bamboo, and colorful lighting craftsmanship to create a remarkable architectural experience.
It honors the traditional Bengali style with a strong emphasis on heritage and “sabekiyana” (old-style) elements, including the mother goddess’s traditional idol and decoration.
This puja pandal is one of the oldest in Kolkata, originating in 1918, and continues to symbolize communal harmony and tradition in the city.
Location: 78, Baghbazar Street, Kolkata
Nearest Metro Station: Sovabazaar Metro Station
Tips for pandal hopping
- Plan your route to cover popular pandals in the same area, saving time and energy. Dividing your visits by zones (North, South Kolkata) can help.
- Wear comfortable shoes since you will do a lot of walking and standing in queues.
- Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated in the crowds and humidity.
- Try to visit early morning or late at night to avoid peak crowds; evenings are good for seeing the illuminations, but are more crowded.
- Use Kolkata Metro or public transport to avoid traffic jams, as private cars struggle to find parking.
- Maintain decorum inside pandals and during rituals.
- Try local street food and snacks from stalls near pandals for a complete experience.
- Be prepared for queues.
- If you are unfamiliar with the city or visiting for the first time, consider joining a guided group tour or city walk to navigate major pujas smoothly.
- Keep your phone charged for navigation, communications, and capturing the spectacular moments.
- Dress modestly and be mindful of local customs.
Summing Up
This year, Kolkata’s top pandals promise to deliver innovative themes and immersive experiences, from AI-inspired designs to social issues-based decorations.
Dive into the city’s vibrant culture and explore the best of Kolkata’s Durga Puja 2025 with this guide!
So, when are you going pandal hopping?
