Known as South Delhi’s most revered spiritual and cultural hub, Matri Mandir Durga Puja in Safdarjung Enclave is a must-visit. Established in 1967 by the Matri Mandir Samiti, it will celebrate its Diamond Jubilee this year as it completes 60 glorious years of Durga Puja. Every year, during Sharad Navratri, the shrine transforms into a vibrant center of traditional Bengali Pujo celebrations. So this Durga Puja, if you are in Delhi, here’s everything you need to know about reaching Matri Mandir Durga Puja.
Matri Mandir Durga Puja In Safdarjung Enclave
The Matri Mandir Samiti was founded in 1969 by a small group of Bengali residents of South Delhi. It was inaugurated on Kali Puja with a beautiful clay idol of Goddess Kali. They opened a Dharmshala in 1975. In 1978, a permanent Kali temple was constructed and consecrated in the presence of Shri Shri Anandomayee Maa and Swami Budhanandajee of the Ramakrishna Mission.
The Dharamshala was expanded to three stories in 1986. A Lord Shiva Temple with a Shiva-lingam was opened in 1990. It was built adjacent to the existing Kali temple. In 1993, a Lakshmi Narayan temple was also built adjacent to the Kali temple. Matri Mandir also started a quarterly Bengali magazine, “Matri Mandir Sambad,” in 2001. In the same year, they also launched a scholarship programme for meritorious and in-need students. Today, they also house a socio-cultural auditorium and a charitable medical dispensary.
Also Read: Why Does Kolkata Celebrate Durga Puja For 5 Days? The Story Behind Sasthi To Dashami
What To Expect At Matri Mandir Durga Puja 2026
Unlike the various commercial pandals, this pujo pandal in Delhi is loved and celebrated for its deep traditional ritualism. The committee has prioritized traditional elegance over viral themes.
The idol of Goddess Durga is Sabeki Ekchala. This means that Goddess Durga, along with her four children, Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Laxmi, Lord Kartikeya,k and Lord Ganesha, share one single frame. The decor is known to feature the traditional Sholar Saaj, which offers a beautiful, serene,e and majestic appearance. It is an intricate artwork carved from the white core of the reed plant.
In the morning, between 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM, all the women and men gather in traditional attire. Women wear red-bordered white sarees while men wear Kurta Pajama and offer fresh flowers to the goddess while chanting mantras.
Between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM, the traditional Bhog distribution takes place, which is a quintessential aspect of the festival. They serve free maha prasad or Bhog, which consists of Labra, Payesh, and Begun, i to thousands of visitors.
In the evening, people gather for Sandhya Aarti and Dhunuchi Naach between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM. The energy reaches its peak as the aarti takes place with rhythmic dhak sound and brass gongs. After this, the devotees perform Dhunuchi Naach, a ritual dance which is performed while holding earthenware burners in their hands.
Right on the auspicious juncture between Asthami and Navami, a Sandhi Puja is performed. It is a 48-minute ritual where 108 lamps are lit, and 108 lotus flowers are offered to the Goddess.
From Sasthi to Navami, the Matri Mandir is known to host various live performances. These include Rabindra Sangeet, Bengali classical music, traditional dance dramas, contemporary folk music, and theatrical plays.
Matri Mandir is not only known for its beautiful Durga Puja idol but also for serving some delicious Bengali dishes. There are stalls set up near Humayunpur Lane and the temple complex that offer some delicious authentic Bengali delicacies.
You can try savory snacks like Mughlai Paratha, Deviled Eggs, Fuchka, and Fish fry. For the main course, you must try the famous Kolkata Biryani with potato and eggs, Mutton Kosha with Luchi, and Bhetki Macher Jhol. For sweets, you can try Rosogulla, Sondesh, Fresh Misthi Doi, and more.
Also Read: How To Visit Mohammad Ali Park & College Square In One Evening? A Central Kolkata Pujo Route
Matri Mandir Durga Puja Route
Location: Block B-2, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi 110029 (Ground and First Floor, DDA Commercial Complex, 13, 14 & 21 B-2)
By Metro
The nearest metro stations are Green Park or AIIMS on the Yellow Line. The other nearby metro stations are R.K. Puram and Sarojini Nagar.
From Green Park metro station ot AIIMS, you can take a short walk (about 10 minutes) or an auto-rickshaw ride directly to Maitri Mandir Samiti.
By Bus
The nearest bus stops are Mohammadpur Village and R.K. Puram Sec 2, which are about a 6-minute and 8-minute walk away.
You can opt for Delhi Transport Corporation routes like D-034, D-336, D-719, and D-745.
Also Read: Where To Go Pandal Hopping In North Kolkata This Durga Puja 2026
Note: This article was compiled after verifying current publicly available business information.
Summing Up
Matri Mandir Durga Puja in Safdarjung Enclave is one of the most revered spots that must be included in the pandal hopping list. If you wish to witness the authenticity of Bengali culture, this is one of the pandals that you must not miss in Delhi.
