Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Six Essential Kolkata Experiences During Durga Puja
Durga Puja changes Kolkata into a citywide celebration of art, music, food and community.
Visitors can begin at Mahalaya by seeing prayers at Babughat and artists working on idols in Kumartuli.
They can visit colourful pandals, which are temporary festival displays, during the day or at night.
It is better to explore different parts of the city on different days instead of seeing everything at once.
Visitors can also see older family celebrations in bonedi baris.
Those who prefer less crowded activities can attend organised events with music, dhaak and Bengali food.
Eating bhog, street food, biryani and sweets is another important part of the experience.
On Dashami, visitors can watch the goddess’s farewell, processions and permitted immersions.
Visit Babughat and Kumartuli around Mahalaya to see ancestor rituals and artisans preparing Durga idols.
Explore Kolkata’s themed pandals at night, dividing visits across north, central and south Kolkata.
Experience a traditional bonedi bari Puja in ancestral homes alongside a large community celebration.
Choose organised Puja events featuring dhaak, dhunuchi, live music and Bengali food, including a Hooghly-side option at The Barge.
Try bhog, Bengali meals, phuchka, rolls, telebhaja, biryani and Bengali sweets during the festival.
Stay until Dashami to see sindoor khela, farewell processions and, where permitted, idol immersion at a ghat.
- Who
- First-time visitors to Kolkata and the devotees, artisans, families and organisers taking part in Durga Puja.
- What
- A guide to six activities and experiences for visiting Kolkata during Durga Puja.
- When
- Around Mahalaya through Dashami; one listed event, Pujo at The Barge, is scheduled from Panchami to Dashami, October 16 to 21.
- Where
- Kolkata, including Babughat, Kumartuli, north, central and south Kolkata, bonedi baris, event venues and riverside ghats.
- Why
- To experience the festival’s rituals, idol-making, pandals, family traditions, food, music and farewell celebrations.
- Festival
- Durga Puja
- Starting point
- Mahalaya, when devotees gather at Babughat for tarpan and artisans finish Durga idols in Kumartuli
- Pandal areas
- North Kolkata, central Kolkata and south Kolkata
- Traditional homes
- Bonedi baris in areas including Sovabazar, Jorabagan and Jorasanko
- Featured event
- Pujo at The Barge, scheduled from Panchami to Dashami, October 16 to 21
- Food to try
- Bhog, Bengali meals, phuchka, rolls, telebhaja, biryani and Bengali sweets
- Farewell
- Dashami celebrations include sindoor khela, processions and permitted idol immersion