Kolkata Durga Puja 2023 themes: 10 must-visit pandals this year
With themes ranging from Ayodhya Ram temple to anti-ragging, puja organisers in Kolkata are all set to make Durga Puja 2023 a grand experience for revellers
“Ma aschhen” (Ma is on her way) ….
And it’s that time of the year again for Bengalis all over the world — and people of all communities living in different parts of Bengal, mainly Kolkata. Durga Puja, the biggest cultural and religious festival of Bengal, is just around the corner. And though it may primarily be a Hindu religious festival, there is hardly any soul in Kolkata who does not revel in the four-day festivities, no matter which community s/he may belong to.
And if we are talking about Kolkata’s Durga Puja, how can we not talk about the pandal themes? Though most puja committees have kept their themes a closely guarded secret, here are the 2023 themes of 10 of the most well-known puja pandals in Kolkata, which seem to make them a must-visit. So, are you eager to know the pandal themes for 2023 Kolkata Durga Puja? Here we go.
North Kolkata
1. Sree Bhumi Sporting Club: Paris Disneyland
Pic courtesy: Disneyland Paris
Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in South Dum Dum is one of the most celebrated pujas in Kolkata and they come up with something special every year. Last year, it was Vatican City; the year before that, it was Burj Khalifa. This year, Sree Bhumi has taken up the gargantuan task of bringing Paris Disneyland to life amid the hustle and bustle of north Kolkata. From the posts on Facebook, they seem to be doing a stellar job of it. Don’t miss the Sree Bhumi puja if you are in Kolkata this Puja!
2. Santosh Mitra Square: Ayodhya Ram Mandir
Pic courtesy: srjbtkshetra.org
Ayodhya Ram Mandir may be slated to open only in January 2024, but the organisers of the famous Santosh Mitra Square puja in Lebutala, Bowbazar, look all set to beat the main temple in Ayodhya with their replica during this year’s Durga Puja! From videos posted on social media, even the minutest details on the walls seem to have been reproduced with the finest precision.
3. College Square: Mysore Palace
Pic: Wikimedia Commons
The celebrated College Square puja in Central Kolkata, which is most well-known for its lights, will have another attraction to make it a must-visit this time. It is set to replicate the majestic Mysore Palace in the heart of the city! Excited Kolkatans have already posted several pictures of the grand pandal being built and, with the famous College Square lights reflecting on the pool, it promises to be a brilliant sight to behold! Remember to be at College Square for sure.
4. Pallir Yubak Brinda: Chadrayaan-3
The success of Chandrayaan-3 has been celebrated at the Mumbai Ganpati festival. Now, North Kolkata is all set to see Vikram and Pragyan land in their midst, thanks to Pallir Yubak Brinda at Sitaram Ghosh Street. The Goddess is reportedly about to “arrive” aboard Chandrayaan! Curious? To know more, you must make sure you are there during Durga to see the Devi’s arrival in this narrow lane off Amherst Street.
5. Ahiritola Sarbojanin Durgotsab: Gujarat’s Somnath temple
Pic: Wikimedia Commons
Another extremely well-known name, the Ahiritola puja in North Kolkata’s Beniatola is about to recreate the gorgeous Somnath temple of Gujarat. The theme has been officially named “Avinaswar” (Eternal) — an apt title for a theme based on a temple that was rebuilt despite being destroyed 17 times. The 30-feet-tall pandal sure promises to be a treat this Durga Puja.
South Kolkata
1. Naktala Udayan Sangha: Anti-ragging
The organisers of the well-known Naktala Udayan Sangha in south Kolkata have decided to spread the message of anti-ragging this year, understandably after the issue rocked the city’s premier educational institution Jadavpur University in August. The pandal will highlight the evils of ragging and educate people on how to eliminate it from society.
Barring Naktala Udayan sangha, other well-known names like Hatibagan Sarbojanin and Kashi Bose Lane in the north and Samaj Sebi Sangha and Mudiali Club in the south will also reportedly spread the anti-ragging message.
2. Mudiali Club: All metal, no fabric
Pic: Facebook/Mudiali Club
Another of South Kolkata’s most recognised names, Mudiali Club has decided to go “all metal, no fabric” this year. The theme is officially named “Somaroho” (splendour). Though they have kept their cards close to their chest, going by what Mudiali does every year, their “all-metal” pandal will surely be something to be missed.
3. Ekdalia Evergreen Club: Jain Temple, Maharashtra
The Ekdalia pandal under construction | Pic courtesy: Facebook/Puja Chronicles Kolkata/Mua Priyanka Laha
Ekdalia Evergreen near the busy Gariahat crossing is another puja not be missed in any case. This year, they are reportedly bringing Maharashtra’s ancient Jain temple to life for Durga Puja. From the pictures of the interiors of the pandal posted on social media, it seems like Gariahat is set for a grand affair, with Singhi Park right across the street also set for a grand pandal.
4. Singhi Park: Rajasthan puppet dance
The other biggie of Gariahat, Singhi Park, will give Kolkatans a slice of Rajasthan with its theme based on the western state’s famous puppet dance. The organisers have announced on social media that the puppet dance can be enjoyed “live” inside their pandal this year, but “electromechanically”. To know what it is all about, you have to be at the pandal this year.
5. Babubagan Sarbojanin: Museum of Jodhpur
This well-recognised name in South Kolkata is also known for coming up with unique themes and executing those with precision. From its coin theme last year to the library the year before, Babubagan is known to create an impression. Though not much info is available yet, Babubagan’s theme this year is reportedly the Museum of Jodhpur. That would be something to watch out for.
2023 Durga Puja dates
Durga Puja this year will be celebrated from October 20 to 24. Here are the dates:
Maha Shasthi: October 20 (Friday)
Maha Saptami: October 21 (Saturday)
Maha Ashtami: October 22 (Sunday)
Maha Nabami: October 23 (Monday)
Bijaya Dashami: October 24 (Tuesday)
