Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja pandal is one of the oldest and most respected community Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata.
It was established in 1936 and is known for its huge thematic pandals featuring unique, innovative, and socially relevant themes each year.
This year, their theme, ‘Operation Sindoor,’ is dedicated to the martyrs of the Pahalgam terror attack and honors the bravery of the Indian Army. Here’s a sneak peek into the theme:
Operation Sindoor Durga Puja Theme In Kolkata (2025)
The pandal is situated in Santosh Mitra Square, a prominent park named after Santosh Kumar Mitra. He is a known Bengali freedom fighter and martyr. The venue itself carries historical and political significance, adding cultural depth to the festival.
With this year’s theme, ‘Operation Sindoor’, they are all set to blend traditional ritual significance with the valor of the armed forces, creating a deeply emotional narrative for the celebration.
Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja 2025 Decor
The term “Sindoor” symbolizes both the sacred red powder integral to Hindu rituals and the blood, commitment, and sacrifices made by the forces protecting the nation.
This pandal is designed to resemble a rugged mountain with a cave. It symbolizes the difficult terrains Indian soldiers navigate, particularly evoking the battlefield spirit of regions like Pahalgam.
The exterior decoration prominently features military motifs such as camouflage patterns, barbed wire, and soldier silhouettes, seamlessly woven into artistic murals. Its structure is massive and made with modern materials like fiber for durability and realism.
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Inside the cave sits the divine idol of Maa Durga, artistically crafted by the famous Mintu Pal Studio of Kumartuli. Around the idol, the use of earthy, rugged textures integrates naturalism with the theme, reinforcing the feeling of a sanctified outpost or bunker.
The visual storytelling connects the mythological battle of Maa Durga against evil with the real-life determination and courage of soldiers standing guard on the nation’s borders.
Light And Sound Show
A remarkable highlight of this pandal is the sophisticated light and sound show that projects the story dynamically, including illuminating the mountain and cave facade.
This light show beautifully narrates the theme through visual storytelling, symbolizing the battle, sacrifice, and spirit of the Indian Army.
A key highlight is the synchronization of sound with the visual story, thunderous war drums, patriotic music, and the soulful recitation of Mahishasura Mardini narration.
The lighting predominantly uses hues of red, orange, and green to evoke patriotism and sacrifice, while subtle flashes mimic gunfire and battlefield intensity without overwhelming the peace of the festival space.
Its light projections effectively bring the story alive in a way that draws audiences into the emotional core of the theme. This pandal stands out for housing one of the most innovative and heartfelt uses of light and sound technology in Kolkata’s Durga Puja celebrations for 2025.
Location: Natabar Dutta Row Road, Bowbazar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700012
How to Reach
By Metro: The nearest metro station is Sovabazar Sutanuti Metro Station, which is within walking distance from the square.
Open for the public: From 25 September 2025
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Summing Up
Santosh Mitra Square’s “Operation Sindoor” is more than just a display; it blends traditional and modern elements to pay homage with bold artistic choices and a strong emotional message.
This Operation Sindoor Theme in Durga Puja continues the legacy of Santosh Mitra Square as one of Kolkata’s most grand, meaningful, and eagerly awaited Durga Puja celebrations each year.
