While Sharad Navratri marks the grand Durga Puja celebrations in autumn, Maa Durga is also worshipped during Chaitra Navratri in spring. Both symbolize strength, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil, though pandals and large-scale festivities are mostly seen in Sharad Navratri.

If you’re planning to witness the grandeur of Durga Puja, here are the 12 most iconic Maa Durga pandals across India that you must visit at least once in your lifetime.

1. Bagbazar Sarbojonin Durga Puja – Kolkata, West Bengal

Story & Origin:
Bagbazar Sarbojonin is one of the oldest Maa Durga Pandals and Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, dating back over 100 years (since 1918). Its rich history reflects Bengal’s cultural and social evolution, making it a true heritage celebration.

Location:
Bagbazar, North Kolkata — on the banks of the Hooghly River.

Interesting Facts:

• Known for its traditional style of worship, unlike many thematic pandals.

• Attracts thousands every day, particularly during Sindoor Khela.

• Has hosted several eminent personalities, from freedom fighters to cultural icons

Things to Do:

• Witness the grandeur of the idol, which is kept in a traditional ekchala (single frame) design.

• Stroll around the Bagbazar Fair, famous for its snacks and handicrafts.

• Experience the riverfront view while soaking in the festive lights.

2. Sreebhumi Sporting Club – Kolkata, West Bengal

Story & Origin:
Founded in the 1970s, Sreebhumi Sporting Club has become synonymous with creativity and grandeur. The pandal is organized by the West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose’s club.

Location:
Lake Town, North Kolkata.

Interesting Facts:

• Famous for Bollywood-style themes and massive pandal replicas (like Burj Khalifa in 2021).

• The pandal attracts not just locals but also international tourists.

• Known for traffic jams due to its popularity — lakhs of visitors throng here daily.

Things to Do:

• Explore the innovative pandal architecture — often inspired by global landmarks.

• Capture Insta-worthy photos with dazzling lighting.

• Enjoy local street food stalls lined outside the pandal.

3. Santosh Mitra Square – Kolkata, West Bengal

Story & Origin: Established in 1936, Santosh Mitra Square (earlier Sealdah Sarbojonin) has always been at the forefront of innovative Maa Durga Pandals and themes.

Location: Sealdah, Central Kolkata.

Interesting Facts:

• In 2017, it recreated the Buckingham Palace as its pandal theme.

• The idol is often adorned with precious ornaments and gold jewelry worth crores.

• A hotspot for media and photographers.

Things to Do:

• Visit during evening hours when lighting adds to its grandeur.

• Indulge in shopping at Sealdah markets nearby.

• Don’t miss their artistic pandal themes — from palaces to temples.

4. Deshapriya Park Durga Puja – Kolkata, West Bengal

Story & Origin: First organized in 1938, Deshapriya Park Puja became globally famous in 2015 when it unveiled the world’s tallest Durga idol (88 ft).

Location: Deshapriya Park, South Kolkata.

Interesting Facts:

• Known for experimenting with record-breaking idols.

• Attracts a massive crowd, often leading to special police arrangements.

• The pandal is surrounded by one of South Kolkata’s busiest areas.

Things to Do:

• Witness large-scale idol installations.

• Walk through South Kolkata’s festive markets.

• Enjoy puja bhog (khichuri, labra, and chutney).

5. Kumartuli Park Durga Puja – Kolkata, West Bengal

Story & Origin: Started in the 1990s, Kumartuli Park Puja draws inspiration from its neighborhood — the famous Kumartuli artisans’ colony, where idols for Maa Durga Pandals across India are crafted.

Location: Kumartuli, North Kolkata.

Interesting Facts:

• Renowned for its artistic idols made by Kumartuli artisans themselves.

• Combines traditional and modern themes.

• One of the most photogenic pujas in Kolkata.

Things to Do:

• Watch idol-making workshops nearby.

• Click portraits of clay idols in progress.

• Attend the cultural programs held at night.

6. Ekdalia Evergreen Durga Puja – Kolkata, West Bengal

Story & Origin: Founded in 1943, Ekdalia Evergreen is one of the most visited pujas in South Kolkata, organized by a youth club.

Location: Ekdalia, near Gariahat Market, South Kolkata.

Interesting Facts:

• Known for giant replicas of temples such as Madurai Meenakshi or Jagannath.

• Lighting arrangements are among the best in the city.

• Often inaugurated by Bollywood celebrities.

Things to Do:

• Explore the famous Gariahat Market nearby for sarees and jewelry.

• Enjoy evening adda (chit-chat) with food stalls serving rolls, fish fry, and sweets.

7. Chittaranjan Park (CR Park) Durga Puja – Delhi, NCR

Story & Origin: Chittaranjan Park, home to a large Bengali community, began organizing Maa Durga Pandals and Durga Puja in the early 1970s.

Location: South Delhi, NCR.

Interesting Facts:

• Over 30 different pandals are set up within CR Park.

• Known for authentic Bengali food stalls.

• Offers both traditional and thematic puja setups.

Things to Do:

• Try Kolkata-style street food like puchkas, fish chops, and sweets.

• Visit multiple pandals across CR Park.

• Attend the cultural programs featuring Rabindra Sangeet and dance dramas.

8. Arambagh Durga Puja Samiti – Delhi, NCR

Story & Origin: Established in the 1950s, Arambagh Durga Puja Samiti is among the most famous Maa Durga Pandals in Delhi.

Location: Central Delhi, near Paharganj.

Interesting Facts:

• Known for grand thematic pandals.

• Idols often imported from Kumartuli, Kolkata.

• Attracts dignitaries, celebrities, and political leaders.

Things to Do:

• Witness the creative use of lighting and sound effects.

• Explore nearby Delhi markets like Connaught Place.

9. Kali Bari Durga Puja – New Delhi

Story & Origin: The grandeur has been celebrating Durga Puja since 1925, making it one of the oldest pujas in Delhi.

Location: Mandir Marg, New Delhi.

Interesting Facts:

• A traditional puja, free from flashy themes.

• The idol is made in the ekchala style, similar to Bagbazar.

• A spiritual hub for Bengalis in Delhi.

Things to Do:

• Participate in aarti and bhog distribution.

• Enjoy the soulful chants and dhak performances.

• Visit nearby cultural landmarks like Connaught Place and Janpath.

10. Minto Road Puja Samity – New Delhi

Story & Origin: Started in the 1940s, Minto Road Puja Samity is one of Delhi’s most iconic community pujas.

Location: Near Connaught Place, New Delhi.

Interesting Facts:

• Known for theme-based pandals.

• Idol is crafted by artists from Kolkata.

• Famous for its lively evening cultural events.

Things to Do:

• Explore Delhi’s nightlife and eateries near CP after pandal hopping.

• Attend cultural shows and competitions.

11. North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti – Mumbai, Maharashtra

Story & Origin: Started in 1948, this puja has been a cultural landmark in Mumbai. It is supported by prominent Bengali families in the city.

Location: Juhu, Mumbai.

Interesting Facts:

• Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, and Hrithik Roshan attend this puja.

• The idol and pandal design stick to traditional Bengali roots.

• Known for serving authentic Bengali bhog.

Things to Do:

• Spot Bollywood stars during the puja.

• Taste the lip-smacking bhog and sweets.

• Enjoy cultural nights featuring music and dance.

12. Lokhandwala Durgotsav – Mumbai, Maharashtra

Story & Origin: Started in the 1990s, Lokhandwala Durgotsav has grown to be one of Mumbai’s largest Maa Durga Pandals and Durga Pujas.

Location: Lokhandwala, Andheri West, Mumbai.

Interesting Facts:

• Organized by Lokhandwala Durga Puja Committee with Bollywood participation.

• Known for celebrity-studded evenings.

• Blends modernity with tradition beautifully.

Things to Do:

• Watch star-studded cultural events.

• Try Mumbai’s fusion snacks available at the stalls.

• Join the Sindoor Khela on Vijaya Dashami.