The auspicious festival of Durga Puja, the greatest festival of the Bengali community, is an annual five-day celebration originating in the Indian subcontinent that pays homage to the goddess Maa Durga. Alluding to Goddess Durga’s slaying of the demon king Mahishasur, it celebrates the victory of good over evil. As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that the goddess visits her earthly abode during this time to bless her devotees.
Though Durga Puja is very significant to the Bengali community, it is also celebrated with much pomp in other states such as Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Bihar and Jharkhand. Other than these states, Karnataka and Delhi also celebrate Durga Puja alongside Navratri and Durga Ashtami as a considerable number of Bengalis live in these states.
Talking about the presence of the Bengali community across the country and beyond, Delhi is one of the hubs of a huge chunk of Bengali population and witnesses the Bengali societies celebrating 5 days of Durga Puja with great enthusiasm. To witness Durga Puja in Delhi, you must visit the below listed Durga Puja Pandals on the auspicious occasion of ‘Navami’ (4th day of Durga Puja).
Chittaranjan Das Park (CR Park)
At CR park, you will get to see quite a few Bengali societies arranging and celebrating Durga Puja. When you visit the area, you will see a variety of unique pandals, food stalls, and fairs during the Puja. CR Park (also popularly known as the mini-Kolkata of Delhi) turns into a carnival that should not be missed.
Durgotsav GK II
It is a lovely location in South Delhi that is known for its beautiful décor and food with organic items and olive oil. So, if you are looking to visit a posh location and enjoy a diet-friendly bhog this puja, then GK II is the best spot for you.
New Delhi Kali Bari
This is one of the oldest places that will give you the authentic feeling of traditional Durga Puja. New Delhi Kali Bari is also known as Dakshin Delhi Kali Bari that has a Durga idol in ‘Daker Saaj’.
Minto Road, Rajiv Chowk
Since 1940, this puja pandal has been a great place to offer ‘pushpanjali’ and soak in the traditional vibe of Durga Puja with ‘dhunuchi nach’, music and food.
Kashmiri Gate
If you want to get mesmerized by the grandeur, you must visit this spectacular puja pandal. Started in 1910, it is now called Delhi Durga Puja Samiti. The organisers host magnificent pandals and the Goddess Durga is decked in gold and silver.
