The ultimate Durga Puja guide

Where to hop, where to stop, what to eat and where to go for the best photo opportunities and old-school Pujos. We’ve got you covered


Khelat Ghosh’er Bari
Fun fact: Home to a 170-year-old Pujo, the Belgian chandeliers, grandfather clocks, and centuries-old Chandana kheer recipe are just a few reasons to visit. Mahatma Gandhi himself made a stop here to witness its grandeur.
Must-try: Makha sandesh and Manohara from Makhanlal and Nalin Chandra Das & Sons

A walk through north Kolkata alleys not only make one transport back in time, but also discover treasures
– Snehashis Mullick, history enthusiast


Shib Krishna Daw Bari
Fun fact: Dating back to 1840, this Durga Puja is renowned for its idols decked in intricate gold and silver jewellery.
Must-try: If you are heading to this intricate mansion, try Rabri from an age-old shop named Sri Krishna Mishtanna Bhandar in Burrabazar and Ice-cream sandesh from Surendra Nath Ghosh sweet shop



Chhatu Babu Latu Babur Bari
Fun fact: The Pujo is over 200 years old, and was founded by Ramdulal Dey, a Bengali merchant who was also one of the foremost names in Indo-American maritime trade back in the late 18th and early 19th century.
Must-try: Jolbhora sandesh, from Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra Nandy

Haldar Bari, Bowbazar
Fun fact: Over 400 years old, the family worships a 700-year-old Koshtipathor (touchstone) idol from the Pala dynasty.
Must-try: Steaming hot, urad daal-filled kochuris, paired with a sweet and spicy aloor torkari from Potlar Kochuri. You may also want to sip on some bhnarer chaa from here.

During Sandhipujo at Haldar Bari, lamps are lit in divine patterns envisioned by the head of the family– Navpreet Arora, city explorer

Girish Bhawan, Bhowanipore
Fact: This 194-year-old Pujo is celebrated by nearly 150 members of the family, who come together at the mansion during this time of the year. It is the first house to stop immersion in the river Hooghly.
Must-try: Gujarati veg-thali, consisting of roti, sabzi and dal from Lakshmi Narayan Mandir canteen

“I never miss the creative pandal designs at Nalin Sarkar Street. They integrate narrow lanes beautifully” – Sukrit Sen, a heritage enthusiastTravelling by metro? Here are the Pujos you must visit!

Dum Dum

Sinthee Sarbojanin, 14 Palli.

Belgachia

Tala Pratyay, Tala Park, Dum Dum Park Bharat Chakra, Dum Dum Park Tarun Dal, Yubak Brinda, Netaji Sporting, Sreebhumi, Laketown Association.

Shyambazar

Bagbazar Sarbojanin, Jagat Mukherjee Park, Friends Union, Shyam Square.

Sovabazar-Sutanuti

Ahiritola, Beniatola, Kumartuli Sarbojanin, Kumartuli Park, Sovabazar Rajbari, Hatibagan Nabin Pally, Nalin Sarkar, Sikder Bagan, Gouribari, Telenga Bagan, Kashi Bose Lane, Karbagan.

Girish Park

Simla Byayam Samity, Pathuriaghata Pancher Pally, Chatlabagan, 37 Palli, Chorebagan Sarbojanin

Mahatma Gandhi road

College Square, Md Ali Park

Central

Santosh Mitra Square, Lebutala Park, Chandni Chowk Station, Subodh Mallick Square

Chandni Chowk

Wellington Nagarik Kalyan Samity, Santosh Mitra Square

Esplanade

Janbazar Sarbojanin, Taltala Sarbojanin

Rabindra Sadan:

Gokhale Sporting Club, Chakraberia Sarbojanin

Netaji Bhawan:

Harish Park Byam Samity, 22 Palli, 75 Pally, 76 Pally, 68 pally, Padmapukur Barowari Samiti, Agradut Udayan Sangha

Jatin Das Park

Maddox Square, Bhowanipore Durgotsav, Bakul Bagan Sarbojanin, Hazra park Durgotsav

Kalighat

66 Pally, 64 Pally, Badamtala Ashar Sangha, Chetla Agrani, Deshapriya Park, Singhi Park, Hindusthan Park, Ekdalia Evergreen

Rabindra Sarobar

Mudiali, Shiv Mandir, Suruchi Sangha

Mahanayak Uttam Kumar (Tollygunge)

- Atlanta Club, Sebak Sangha Azadgarh, Moore Avenue Puja Committee

Netaji (Kundghat)

97 Pally Bharat Mata, Putiary Club, 41 Pally

Masterda Surya Sen (Bansdroni)

Netaji Jatiya Sebadal, Bhatri Milan Sangha

Gitanjali

Naktala Udayan Sangha

Kavi Nazrul

Pancha Durga, Naba Durga, Kendua Shanti Sangha