Talk about Durga Puja, the first place to come to your mind is Kolkata, the city of joy! But little did you know that Delhi too celebrates Durga Pujo with the same fervor and enthusiasm every year. The city’s cultural landscape transforms, and the word “pandal hopping” immediately evokes images of Delhi’s Little Kolkata, Chittaranjan Park. But far away from all the limelight of commercialization is the beauty of tradition: the Delhi Durga Puja Samiti at Kashmere Gate. Established in 1910, it is the oldest continuing pandal in Delhi, and if you are wondering whether this pandal deserves a spot on your pandal-hopping plan, well, the answer is a big yes!
Kashmere Gate Durga Puja Delhi
Kashmere Gate Durga Puja was established in 1910 under the leadership of pioneers like Dr. Hemchandra Sen. The first puja was organized near Roshanpura Kali Mandir, later moving to Tis Hazari and finally settling into the Bengali Senior Secondary School on Alipur Road in Delhi. The reason behind the establishment of this puja was the desire of a small, tight-knit community of Bengali expatriates to recreate the sanctity of Sharodotsav away from their homes. This largely included doctors, government employees, and railway workers.
During the pre-independence era, records and archives show national figures like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose visited the pandal in 1935. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi also visited in 1969 to offer prayers. For over 116 years, the committee has refused to commercialize the festival in any way.
Also Read: Why Does Kolkata Celebrate Durga Puja For 5 Days? The Story Behind Sasthi To Dashami
Why Visit Kashmere Gate, Durga Puja?
Kashmere Gate will offer you a refreshing contrast to Bollywood-themed, towering architectural marvels or high-tech pandals. The pandal is known for its adherence to tradition. The deity here is presented in the classical Sabeki Ekchala style. In this style, Goddess Durga and her children Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartik are sculpted together on a single arched frame.
The idol is also adorned with traditional Daaker Saaj, which are handcrafted ornaments fashioned from silver foil. It is originally imported via postal mail from Germany, hence the name Daak. The look is simple and serene, taking you into the old-world rural Bengal.
All rituals here are carried out according to the ancient Brihat-Nandikeshwar Purana. There are no pre-recorded chants or blaring loudspeakers here. Instead, you will get to hear the authentic, rhythmic heavy brass bells, traditional sankh blowing, and soul-stirring beats of dhak, which are played by hereditary dhakis.
Also Read: How To Visit Mohammad Ali Park & College Square In One Evening? A Central Kolkata Pujo Route
Their immersion procession is something that will surely blow your mind. While almost every other modern pandal uses tractors or trucks to transport the idols for immersion, this pandal carried their Goddess on a traditional bullock cart. This cart takes the idol to Qudsia Ghat for immersion.
This procession features hundreds of devotees dressed in traditional attire, like women in red-bordered white sarees and men in dhoti-kurta. All of them chant “Durga Mata Ki Jay” unanimously with dhak beats in the background while the procession moves slowly through the streets of Old Delhi.
The experience is, of course, not complete without delicious food, and the pandal serves its authentic Bengali bhog. The Ashthami bhog is served in leaf plates, and it features Gobindobhog Khichuri, mixed vegetable Labra, crispy fried begun bhaja, sweet tomato chutney, and creamy kheer.
Unlike commercial pandals that serve momos and other fusion dishes, this pandal focuses on authentic Bengali cuisine.
How To Reach The Historic Delhi Pandal
Address: 22-A, Sham Nath Marg, Indraprastha College, Civil Lines, Delhi, 110054
The venue is centrally located in the historic heart of North Delhi, which makes reaching this pandal super convenient. You can reach here easily through public transport as well as a private vehicle.
By Delhi Metro
The nearest metro station is Civil Lines Metro Station, and it is located on the Yellow Line.
After alighting at the Civil Lines Metro Station, you can take exit gate no. 2. From here, you can walk to the pandal, as it is only 400 metres away, which is roughly 5 minutes away.
By Bus
Several Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses run on the routes connecting Kashmere Gate Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) and Civil Lines. You can alight at the Civil Lines bus stop and walk to the venue.
By Cab or Auto Rickshaw
If you are booking your cab from any app-based aggregator like Ola, Rapido, or Uber, or taking an auto from any of the areas, make sure you set the destination to Bengali Senior Secondary School, Alipur Road.
Summing Up
If you wish to experience the soul of Delhi’s history and witness a century-old cultural legacy being kept alive by the new generations, Kashmere Gate is a must-visit pandal. Here you will witness Maa Durga in her most traditional and serene form.
