Durga Puja in West Bengal – Pandals, Rituals & Experiences You Can’t Miss

Durga Puja is more than just a festival in West Bengal – it’s an explosion of art, culture, devotion, and celebration. For five magical days every autumn, the streets of Kolkata and towns across Bengal transform into a living gallery of artistic pandals, traditional rituals, dazzling lights, and soulful music. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Durga Puja is an experience every traveller must witness at least once.

If you’re planning a trip to West Bengal, here’s your complete guide to experiencing Durga Puja – what to see, explore, and how to plan your itinerary.

The Essence of Durga Puja

Durga Puja celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura (the buffalo demon), symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. But in Bengal, it is also about:

• Artistic Pandals – Temporary themed structures with elaborate creativity.
• Idols of Maa Durga – Crafted with precision by traditional kumhars (idol makers) in Kumartuli, Kolkata.
• Rituals & Devotion – From bodhan (invocation) to sandhi puja and visarjan (immersion).
• Community Spirit – Streets alive with processions, music, and food stalls.

What to See & Explore During Durga Puja

1. Kolkata’s Artistic Pandals

Kolkata is the heart of Durga Puja, with thousands of pandals showcasing mind-blowing creativity – from replicas of world monuments to experimental art installations.

Famous Pandals to Visit:

• Bagh Bazaar – Historic and traditional.
• Kumartuli Park – Idols crafted by master artisans.
• College Square – Famous for idol reflections on the lake.
• Ekdalia Evergreen & Santosh Mitra Square – Known for innovation and grandeur.

👉 Tip: Join a pandal-hopping tour at night, when the lights and crowds bring the city alive.

2. Rituals & Festivities

Each day of Durga Puja has its significance:

• Saptami – Invocation of the Goddess.
• Ashtami – The grand pushpanjali (flower offering) and sandhi puja.
• Navami – Final day of worship with cultural performances.
• Dashami – Sindoor Khela (women smear vermilion) followed by immersion processions.

3. Food & Festive Flavours

Durga Puja is incomplete without Bengali delicacies. Street stalls serve:

• Kathi Rolls & Fish Fry
• Kosha Mangsho (spicy mutton curry)
• Shorshe Ilish (hilsa in mustard sauce)
• Sweets like Rosogolla & Mishti Doi

Food is as much a celebration as the rituals!

4. Cultural Programs

From folk dances and dhak (drums) to theatre and music shows, every locality hosts cultural evenings, making it a festival of art and performance.

Suggested Itineraries for Durga Puja

3-Day Short Itinerary (Kolkata Focused)

• Day 1: Evening pandal-hopping (Ekdalia Evergreen, College Square, Bagh Bazaar).
• Day 2: Visit Kumartuli idol-making hub, join morning pushpanjali, and explore famous South Kolkata pandals.
• Day 3: Morning food walk, attend Sindoor Khela and immersion procession.

5-Day Itinerary (Extended Experience)

• Day 1–2: Pandal-hopping across Kolkata (North & South).
• Day 3: Day trip to Shantiniketan for cultural immersion.
• Day 4: Explore Dakshineswar Kali Temple & Belur Math.
• Day 5: Join farewell immersion procession at the Ganga ghats.

Why Durga Puja is a Must-Visit Travel Experience

• UNESCO-recognized cultural festival.
• A blend of art, devotion, food, and tradition in one trip.

Perfect for travellers who love festivals, photography, and cultural immersion.

Travel Tips for Durga Puja Visitors

• Book flights & hotels months in advance – the city gets fully packed.
• Wear comfortable footwear – pandal-hopping involves long walks.
• Best time to visit: Saptami to Dashami (October 2025).
• Join a guided pandal-hopping tour for insider access.

Why Travelicious?

At Travelicious, we curate festive travel experiences that let you live the magic of Durga Puja – from pandal tours and food trails to cultural add-ons like Shantiniketan, Bishnupur temples, and Sundarbans excursions. With us, you don’t just visit Bengal – you celebrate it like a local.