With the aura of Durga Puja 2016 already beginning to tease the Kolkatans, we all want Maa to come already, don’t we? After all, the new clothes and accessories now seem to wait forever to be worn, and the Bengali expatriates can’t keep hold of their excitement of coming to homeland.
While the ones living in Kolkata are witnessing the city gear up with lights, banners, melas and what not. With this scenario in Kolkata, we all are chalking out the plans, debating about where to visit first. Let us see where you should go in these 4 days.
1. Ekdalia Evergreen Club: Ekdalia is one of the most famous pujas of South Kolkata who believe in tradition. Established in the year 1943, it is one of the earliest ‘big’ pujas in town, characterised by it’s traditional idol, amazing lighting and of course the oh-so-beautiful chandelier. If you’re in south, you can definitely start your journey with this puja.
Location: 15, Ekdalia Rd, Ekdalia, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019.
2. Ballygunge Cultural Association: If you’ve watched Vidya Balan’s “Kahani” even once, you’d definitely know which puja I’m talking about. The puja was established in the year 1951 and must be visited this year on Saptami and Ashtami from 7 p.m.to witness the first ever 3D show in a pandal. The pandal would ‘change’ itself in front of the eyes of the beholder and we’re super excited to see it.
Location: 57, Jatin Das Road
Kolkata: 700 029.
3. Jodhpur Park Saradiya Utsab Committee: Celebrating Durga Puja for 64 years, the club has been keeping up with time, changing itself from being traditional to organising the Puja based on a theme. Let us see what they have to unveil this year and I’m sure it’s worth the wait.
Location: 1/D JodhPur Park, Kolkata – 700068.
4.Santoshpur Lakepally Durga Puja: Inaugurated in 1958, Santoshpur Lakepally is one of the most important Pujas in town. The puja has already won several awards over time and come up with something better each year. This time, in association with a leading jewellery brand, the committee has organised a gold plated idol. So, you should definitely add this to your list.
Location: Santoshpur Avenue, Kolkata, West bengal 700 075 (nearJoda bridge).
5.Suruchi Sangha: Though being a 55 year old puja, the club has been organising the festival lavishly since 2001, journeying us through different parts of India. This year, with the touches of Buddhism, the theme goes as ‘The World is One Country’. The puja has already been opened for the public so do visit while the crowd is relatively less.
Location: Block – ‘M’ New Alipore, Kolkata- 700053
6. College Square Sarbojanin Durga Puja: Moving to the North, this is probably the best of the area. They stick to the traditional idol and this makes them more famous. The extravagant lights are an essential feature of the puja, but the reflection of the lights on the lake steals the show. You should definitely go for this after the sun sets, but beware of the huge crowd!
Location: 53, College Street, Kolkata 700 073.
7. Sreebhumi Sporting Club: Much talked about puja in the north-eastern fringe of the city, the club has been organising Durga Puja for more than 40 years and has gained much popularity. Millions of people gathered when the club celebrated in gold, in association with a leading jewellery brand. This year, it is the first puja to have been inaugurated, on the 29th of September by the Chief Minister of Bengal, Mamata Banerjee.
Location: Canal Street, Sree Bhumi.
Kolkata-700048.
8. Sovabajar Rajbari: Of course, we cannot complete the list without mentioning the 225 year old Rajbari Puja. Maharaja Naba Krishna started Durga Puja in 1757at his Thakur Dalan located at Raja Naba Krishna Street. You should save some good amount of time on this, because you cannot miss out on the beautiful and unique rituals of the celebration.
Location: 36, Naba Krishna Street, Kolkata- 700005.
So, with this guide, we are sure that you’d definitely be more informed about what’s happening this year and the pujas you cannot just miss. Happy Puja!
