The Ultimate Durga Pujo 2025 Guide To Kolkata: Best Pandals, Street-Food, & Festive Hangouts

Durga Pujo in Kolkata is more than a religious festival; it is akin to the Rio Carnival in its elaborate cultural performance, a collective act of creativity and craftsmanship that transforms the city's urban landscape. Rooted in the worship of the goddess Durga, the festival has evolved over the years into an extraordinary blend of ritual, art, politics, and pomp.

Historically, Durga Pujo was an elite celebration by the bonedi bari or founding families of the city, but in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, community-led barowari and sarbojonin pujos brought it to the masses. These neighbourhood festivals became democratic spaces where the city’s residents — rich and poor alike — participated in organising, designing, and celebrating their devotion to Durga. In colonial times, Pujo became imbued with a nationalist undertone, symbolising anti-colonial resistance and cultural pride.

Today, the artistic legacy of Durga Pujo has reached remarkable heights. Pandals are built like sound stages, ranging from replicas of world wonders to site-specific installations that confront social issues such as climate change, gender equality, labour rights, and xenophobia. The idols themselves embody both tradition and innovation — crafted by generations of kumar (potters) from Kumartuli, Kolkata’s historic potters’ quarter. UNESCO recognised Durga Pujo in Kolkata as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021, affirming its unique status as a living cultural treasure.

Yet, beyond the larger-than-life spectacle, Durga Pujo is all about belonging. For Bengalis, especially those in the diaspora, it marks a return to their roots. It is a time of homecoming, nostalgia, and renewal. In Kolkata, the city beats to a rhythm of dhak drums, the smell of incense and street food, and a spirit of community that transcends religion, class, and age.

If you are fortunate enough to find yourself in Kolkata during Durga Pujo, you’re in for the time of your life. Here’s what you need to know about experiencing Durga Pujo in Kolkata at it’s fullest:

First Things First

1. Finding transport during Durga Pujo in Kolkata, especially at night, is very challenging. You’ll walk to a lot, if not most, of the pandals on your list. Wear comfortable shoes. I suggest chunky sneakers or your best running shoes for pandal-hopping!

2. You’ll find drinking water almost everywhere, but don’t count on it for emergencies. Bring your own water. I recommend a 500ml to 750ml bottle of water per person.

3. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a power bank if possible. You’ll rely on your phone to take photos and navigate through Kolkata’s intricate streets and winding alleys at night. Every last bit of battery power will be essential.

4. Carry sufficient small notes of cash. Although most shops, restaurants, and auto-rickshaws/taxi-cabs now accept online payments via UPI, keep enough cash with you in case online payments fail.

5. This year, Kolkata Police has launched the Puja Bandhu companion app to help tourists, pandal-hoppers, and culture enthusiasts stay informed and safe during the festivities. Download the app here.

North Kolkata

North Kolkata, once known as ‘Black Town’, was historically the part of the city inhabited by Kolkata’s indigenous residents. Encompassing old neighbourhoods like Sovabazar-Sutanuti, one of the three villages which originally formed Kolkata in the 17th century, North Kolkata is where Durga Pujo feels most rooted in Kolkata’s cultural memory.

Here are five North Kolkata pandals you should visit this year:

1. Tala Prattoy

In 2025, this iconic North Kolkata pujo turns 100 years old. Tala Prattoy’s theme for this year is 'Beej Angan' or ‘seed courtyard’. Conceptualised by contemporary artist Bhabatosh Sutar, the pandal addresses social issues such as the loss of indigenous rice cultivars, food security, scarcity, adulteration, and the relationship between food history and human evolution.

2. Dum Dum Tarun Dal

This year, Dum Dum Tarun Dal’s pandal showcases the theme 'chaap', or ‘stamp’. Envisioned by veteran pandal architect Purnendu Dey, the pandal embodies the history and evolution of stamps through postage, coinage, and other seals and stamps.

3. Hati Bagan Nabin Pally

Hati Bagan Nabin Pally’s pandal, conceptualised by Avijit Ghatak, follows the theme 'Amaar Desh, Amaar Durga', or 'My country, my Durga'. The pandal acknowledges and celebrates the sacrifices and contributions of Indian women throughout history.

4. Kashi Bose Lane Durga Puja Samity

Kashi Bose Lane Durga Puja Samity’s pandal draws inspiration from 'Pakdondi' — the autobiographical sketch of legendary Bengali author Leela Majumdar. In a year when the Bengali language, culture, and people have increasingly come under attack outside Bengal, this celebration of a Bengali icon feels as defiant as it is timely. 

5. Chaltabagan Sarbojonin Durga Puja Committee

Another popular North Kolkata pujo, Chaltabagan Sarbojonin, has doubled down on Bengali cultural pride in 2025. This year, their pandal follows the theme 'Aami Banglay Bolchhi', or 'I am speaking Bengali'. Conceptualised by Pradipta Karmakar, the pandal traces the evolution of the Bengali language and pays homage to the Bhasha Andolan, which ultimately led to the creation of Bangladesh.

Street Food Classics

Snacking on street food like phoochka, kathi roll, momo, dim-er chop, and ghugni-chaat between pandal hopping is an inseparable part of Durga Pujo celebrations. Although you will find street food stalls, carts, and trucks (a recent addition to Kolkata’s street food scene) across the city, not all of them are created equally. Here are a few things to keep in mind while indulging in Kolkata’s delicious street food.

1. Phoochka: You will find phoochka stalls throughout Kolkata. While there is no consensus on where to find the best phoochka, as all Kolkatans swear by their favourite phoochkawalla, a good rule of thumb to follow is to look for a crowd. The larger the crowd, the better the phoochka will be.

2. Kathi Roll: Nizam’s in New Market and Kusum Rolls in Park Street are the places to go for Kolkata’s kathi rolls.

3. Momo: You’ll find momos on the menu at most Chinese, Asian, and continental restaurants in Kolkata, but if you want to dine and dash while pandal-hopping, head over to the Sian Restaurant, a small street-side joint near the Exide Crossing. Follow the beeline outside the Rabindra Sadan metro station, and you’ll find it. Another great street vendor serving excellent momos is located at the intersection of Bentinck Street & Lenin Sarani near the Esplanade metro station.

For a more elevated experience, head to The Blue Poppy Thakali in Camac Street for their open-faced pork momos or Pa Pa Ya in Park Street for their fantastic vegetarian options.

4. Dim-er Chop: For all things chop (Bengal-style deep-fried croquettes and fritters), head to Lakshmi Narayan Shaw And Sons in Sovabazar.

South Kolkata

South Kolkata’s Durga Pujo is where tradition meets imagination. Unlike the heritage-driven pujos of the north, the southern neighbourhoods are famous for their dazzling theme-based pandals, experimental art, and bold, innovative idol designs.

Here are five South Kolkata pandals you should visit this year:

1. Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha

Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha has gone above and beyond with their pandal this year. Their theme in 2025 is 'Proshno', or question. Conceptualised by artist Debashish Barui, the pandal explores the question of human consciousness.

2. Hindustan Park Sarbojonin Durgotsav Committee

Envisioned by pandal architects Moloy Roy and Subhamay Sinha, Hindustan Park's pandal follows the theme ‘Lokojo’, or folk. The pandal is a celebration of Bengal's folk art and craft forms.

3. Samaj Sebi Sangha

Samaj Sebi Sangha was established in the aftermath of the 1946 religious riots in Kolkata, and their theme this year, 'Pather Panchali 1946' (Road Song 1946), goes back to the club’s very beginning. Drawing inspiration from eight decades of the society’s sheltering of people from across all communities who were affected by the violence, the pandal pays homage to freedom fighter Leela Roy, astrophysicist Meghnad Saha, and historian Sir Jadunath Sarkar, who first organised a Durga Puja in the locality to promote communal harmony.

4. Tridhara Sammilani

One of South Kolkata’s most anticipated Durga Puja celebrations each year, Tridhara Sammilani Club’s pandal in 2025 is themed 'Chalo Phiri', or 'let’s return'. The pandal, reminiscent of an ancient Hindu temple, symbolizes a rediscovery of the faith’s origins. A highlight at Tridhara’s pandal this year is an installation by contemporary artist Shiloh Shiv Suleman.

5. Alipore Sarbojonin

Alipore Sarbojonin’s theme in 2025 is ‘Chaa’ or tea. The pandal traces the cultural history of tea and features Asian-inspired art. Even the Durga idol is inspired by East Asian idols of Buddhist goddesses and deities.

Where To Eat

Eating out is as much a part of Durga Pujo celebration as pandal-hopping. The city turns into a nonstop food carnival during Pujo — street corners, pop-up stalls, and iconic restaurants all serve festive specials.

Here’s a guide to the best eats in Kolkata during Pujo:

1. Biryani: Aminia in New Market and Arsalan at Park Circus. You will find the best iterations of the light, airy Kolkata Biryani with its cult-classic yakhni aaloo at Aminia and Arsalan. Although both restaurant chains have locations across the city, head over to the original locations in New Market and Park Circus for the complete experience.

2. Traditional Bengali Platter: 6, Ballygunge Place. That’s it. Their food speaks for itself. However, if you’re a person of eastern inclination, head over to Kasturi for authentic Dhakai cuisine from across the border.

3. Pujo-r Bhog: Most pandals serve pujo-r bhog or ritual food on Ashtami and Nabami afternoons. There are usually long queues for this food as it is considered auspicious but the wait is always worth it — if not for spiritual reasons, then for culinary ones.

Alternatively, you can also head to Belur Math, the global headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, for a legendary vegetarian meal of Bengali classics like khichuri, labra, and chutney.

Bonedi Bari-r Pujo

Bonedi Bari pujos are the soul of Kolkata’s old-world Durga Pujo charm. Unlike the community-led pandals of today, these are celebrated inside the grand ancestral mansions of aristocratic Bengali families — known as bonedi baris. Steeped in aristocratic heritage, many of these pujos date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when wealthy zamindars and merchants first brought the goddess home with regal grandeur. Learn more about these centuries-old family pujos here.

Midnight Hangout At Maddox Square

The traditional unthemed Maddox Square Durga Puja is popular for its games, cultural events, and overall Pujo vibe. Maddox Square is where we hang out to take a break from pandal-hopping, meet up with different friend groups, participate in Pujo-themed quizzes and game shows, and hope to run into our favourite actors, singers, artists, writers, and poets... or to meet someone new. After all, have you even experienced Pujo if you haven’t felt the thrill and heartbreak of chatting up an attractive, well-dressed stranger at Maddox Square, knowing very well that you may never see them again?

Famous Last Words

This is, by no means, an exhaustive guide. Durga Pujo in Kolkata is a city-wide event, and it’s nearly impossible to include all that Kolkata has to offer in a single Pujo guide. However, I hope this guide will make navigating the lively chaos of Durga Pujo in Kolkata somewhat easier. Durga Pujo is, after all, an experience you live with all five senses and then some. Plan all you want, but leave room for serendipity. The real magic of Pujo is in the unexpected.

Download the official Kolkata Police Durga Puja Guide here.

If you enjoyed reading this, here’s more from Homegrown:

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How Generations Of Kumartuli’s Artisans Have Crafted A Culture Of Devotion For Durga Puja