If there could be a list of the most iconic and historic Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja would definitely be in the top 5. The pandal is celebrating its 91st Durga Puja in 2026 with a patriotic theme, “Sanatani Chetonay Vande Mataram.”
If you’re planning to visit the Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja pandal, but not sure how to visit, this guide is for you. Keep reading to know more!
Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja 2026: Inauguration & Decor Details
Inaugurated By West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari inaugurated the Durga Puja pandal at Santosh Mitra Square in Kolkata on Sunday, 11 October, 2026. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by BJP’s West Bengal in-charge Sunil Bansal, state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar and other party leaders.
The pandal has chosen ‘Vande Mataram’s 150th anniversary’ as the theme of this year. With this theme, the pandal hopes to weave religious values with patriotic sentiments.
Details Of The Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja Pandal Decor
This is the 91st year of Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja pandal. For its 91st year, the puja pandal is dedicating its theme to India’s freedom struggle and the legacy of the 1947 Partition. The structure is shaped like the map of India. It also features photographs from the Partition era, a replica of the Red Fort, and a train installation depicting the mass exodus of 1947.
The Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja pandal will also pay tribute to Indian freedom fighters like Khudiram Bose and Matangini Hazra. There will also be a wall dedicated to Kolkata, featuring Syama Prasad Mukherjee.
And it doesn’t end there! Visitors can also expect a light-and-sound show tracing the country’s journey from independence to the modern day. Visitors entering the pandal can expect to see a lotus-themed installation featuring depictions of Bharat Mata and Lord Shiva.
How To Reach Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja
Location: Santosh Mitra Square (also known as Lebutala Park), Bowbazar, Kolkata – 700014.
The closest Kolkata metro station to the Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja pandal is Sealdah on the Green Line. Chandni Chowk is also a nearby metro station.
Sealdah Railway Station is also quite nearby, almost within walking distance of the pandal venue. We highly recommend using public transport like the metro or the train to reach the venue.
You can easily find buses, rickshaws, cabs, and cab-hailing services from almost any part of the city to reach Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja venue. However, vehicle entry and parking might be restricted near Bowbazar during peak festival days. So walking or public transport is highly encouraged over private transport.
Also Read: Shosti to Dashami: Ultimate 5 Day Durga Puja Guide in Kolkata 2025
Visiting Durga Puja Pandals In Kolkata? Keep These Things In Mind
Visit Durga Puja pandals in the early morning for minimal crowds. Crowds can get heavier in the evenings and on the days of the Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami.
Ensure that you dress modestly for the festival. Avoid short dresses, crop tops, and other revealing clothing. Follow dress codes and respect the local traditions and rituals.
Prefer traveling by public transport over private vehicles to avoid getting stuck in traffic.
Documenting the festival? Make sure to keep your camera equipment safe with you, especially in crowded areas. Seek permission from authorities if required and comply with filming rules and regulations.
Keep valuables, including phones, camera equipment, and jewelry secure.
Note: Information used in this article has been taken from verified sources.
Summing Up
Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja 2026 is about to be one of the most exciting Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata. This year, the puja pandal will pay homage to heroes from the Indian freedom struggle, legacy of the Partition, and celebrate the 150th anniversary of India’s National Song, “Vande Mataram.” How excited are you to visit this Durga Puja pandal?
