As the beat of the dhak echoed through New Delhi’s very own “Mini Bengal”—Chittaranjan Park—I found myself swept up in a tide of festive energy during last year’s Durga Puja.

From devouring plates of luchi-aloo and crispy bhetki fry to marvelling at the pandals glowing in seasonal joy, it was a reminder that while Kolkata may be the heart of Pujo, the festival’s magic thrives far beyond Bengal.

In 2025, pandals are bigger, bolder, and more imaginative than ever. From hyperreal architectural recreations in Kolkata to mythological storytelling in Lucknow, communities across India are pushing the boundaries of design and devotion.

Here’s your definitive guide to the 9 most breathtaking Durga Puja pandals to witness this year.

Durga Puja Pandals in Kolkata

1. Sreebhumi Sporting Club, Lake Town

This crowd-puller is back with another jaw-dropping structure. After Vatican City and Disneyland in previous years, 2025 brings a replica of New Jersey’s Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple—complete with glowing domes and intricate detailing.

2. Santosh Mitra Square, Lebutala

Known for grand spectacles, this year’s theme is “Operation Sindoor,” transforming the pandal into a military-inspired epic where Durga emerges as a warrior goddess.

3. Arjunpur Amra Sabai Club, Taltala

For art lovers, this avant-garde pandal is a must-see. With digital artist Shovin Bhattacharjee and contemporary artist Shampa Bhattacharjee, Goddess Durga is reimagined in steel armour, bathed in cosmic blue light.

Durga Puja Pandals in Delhi

4. Kashmere Gate Durga Puja, Civil Lines

Delhi’s oldest Puja (since 1910) is steeped in tradition. No frills, no themes—just raw devotion and the weight of history.

5. B-Block Puja, Chittaranjan Park (CR Park)

Often called the beating heart of Pujo in Delhi, CR Park pandals are buzzing with music, food stalls, and cultural nights. Don’t miss the famous Anandamela for ilish paturi, luchi, and rosogolla.

6. Mayur Vihar Kali Bari

If you’re in East Delhi, head here for a quieter but equally soulful celebration. The highlight? A bhog that devotees swear by.

Durga Puja Pandals in Jharkhand

7. Sonari West, Jamshedpur

In its 52nd year, this pandal stuns with an 80-feet-high replica of Tirupati Balaji Temple. Inside, devotional music creates a serene escape from the bustling crowd.

Durga Puja Pandals in Odisha

8. Old Station Bazaar, Bhubaneswar

Merging art with tech, this pandal uses interactive lights, motion-triggered sounds, and cosmic-inspired design to channel Maa Durga’s energy in a futuristic way.

Durga Puja Pandals in Mumbai

9. Bengal Club, Shivaji Park, Dadar

One of Mumbai’s oldest Pujas, it blends tradition with culture. Mornings are marked by soulful devotion, while evenings come alive with music, poetry, and the thunder of dhakis.

From the grandeur of Kolkata to the intimate celebrations in Delhi and Mumbai, these pandals showcase India’s festive spirit at its most creative and vibrant.