Introduction: Kolkata’s Biggest Festival Awaits You
If there is one time of the year when Kolkata transforms into a city of lights, art, music, and devotion, it is Durga Puja. Widely recognized as the most important festival of Kolkata, it’s a celebration that merges spirituality with culture, creativity, and togetherness.
In 2021, UNESCO listed Kolkata Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This was a global acknowledgment of what Bengalis always knew—Durga Puja isn’t just a festival, it’s an emotion.
With Mahalaya on 21st September 2025 and the main days of Puja from 28th September to 2nd October 2025, the city is preparing to host millions of people from across the world. But here’s the catch—if you don’t plan early, you’ll find flights overpriced, hotels sold out, and guided tours unavailable.
So let’s answer the big questions: 2025 ka Durga Puja kab hai? Which are the best pandals to visit? How do you plan your Durga Puja itinerary? And why must you book your trip before it’s too late?
Durga Puja 2025 Dates: When to Visit Kolkata
Durga Puja follows the Hindu lunar calendar, but here are the exact Durga Puja 2025 dates for your trip:
- Mahalaya: 21st September 2025 – Invocation of Goddess Durga.
- Shashthi: 28th September 2025 – Goddess Durga arrives.
- Saptami: 29th September 2025 – Rituals begin in full swing.
- Ashtami: 30th September 2025 – The most sacred day, Pushpanjali and Sandhi Puja.
- Navami: 1st October 2025 – Final day of worship.
- Dashami: 2nd October 2025 – Immersion of idols in the Hooghly River.
If you’re planning a trip, aim to stay in Kolkata from 27th September to 3rd October 2025 to catch the entire festival vibe—from the first beats of the dhaak (drums) to the emotional farewell of the idols.
Why You Should Book Your Trip Early
Durga Puja is Kolkata’s peak tourist season. Every year, millions of people—locals, NRIs, and international tourists—flood into the city. Waiting till the last minute can be a costly mistake. Here’s why:
- Flights and trains get booked months in advance – Ticket prices surge dramatically.
- Hotels and Airbnbs sell out – Especially in prime areas like Park Street, Ballygunge, and Salt Lake.
- Durga Puja 2025 tour packages will be limited – Agencies that offer curated pandal-hopping, food walks, and heritage tours often run full by July.
- Durga Puja VIP pass 2025 – Exclusive passes for skipping queues at major pandals are released in limited numbers. If you delay, they’ll be gone.
Booking early ensures you get the best stay, smooth travel, and a chance to enjoy the festival without stress.
The Best Pandals to Visit in Kolkata 2025
Durga Puja is most famous for its pandals—temporary artistic structures that house the Goddess. Each year, thousands of pandals compete to outshine each other with unique themes, jaw-dropping creativity, and record-breaking budgets.
South Kolkata Pandals
- Ekdalia Evergreen – Known for traditional grand decorations.
- Deshapriya Park – Famous for its giant idols and large open space.
- Ballygunge Cultural – A favorite for both locals and tourists.
North Kolkata Pandals
- Bagbazar – Over a century old, steeped in tradition.
- Kumartuli Park – Located in the potters’ district where idols are born.
- Sovabazar Rajbari – A historic Bonedi Bari (aristocratic house) Puja.
Themed & Innovative Pandals
- Santosh Mitra Square – Famous for global themes (replicas of monuments, social issues).
- Sreebhumi Sporting Club – Known for extravagant and often the most expensive Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata.
- College Square – Idols reflected beautifully in the water tank.
Exploring these requires patience and planning, because the crowds can be massive. That’s where pandal hopping Durga Puja Kolkata style comes in—walking long stretches, hopping on the metro, and immersing yourself in the festive chaos.
Travel Tips & Durga Puja Itinerary
If it’s your first time, you’ll need a proper Durga Puja itinerary to make the most of the festival. Here’s a sample plan:
Day 1 (27th Sept) – Arrival & Evening Walk
- Check into your hotel in Park Street or Salt Lake.
- Evening stroll around nearby pandals.
Day 2 (28th Sept – Shashthi) – South Kolkata Tour
- Morning: Ballygunge Cultural, Ekdalia Evergreen.
- Afternoon: Deshapriya Park.
- Evening: Maddox Square for youthful vibes and food stalls.
Day 3 (29th Sept – Saptami) – North Kolkata Heritage
- Morning: Bagbazar and Kumartuli Park.
- Afternoon: Sovabazar Rajbari (Bonedi Bari experience).
- Evening: College Square and Kumartuli artisans’ workshops.
Day 4 (30th Sept – Ashtami) – Big Themes
- Morning: Santosh Mitra Square.
- Afternoon: Sreebhumi Sporting Club (brace for crowds).
- Evening: Watch Sandhi Puja at a traditional pandal.
Day 5 (1st Oct – Navami) – Food & Shopping
- Morning: Pandal-hopping nearby.
- Afternoon: Street food trail (phuchka, rolls, kebabs).
- Evening: New Market or Gariahat shopping.
Day 6 (2nd Oct – Dashami) – Immersion Day
- Watch Sindoor Khela in the morning.
- Evening: Witness idol immersion at Babughat or Prinsep Ghat.
- End with a farewell to Durga—“Asche bochor abar hobe” (It will happen again next year).
Tour Packages & Parikrama Options
For those who want convenience, multiple Durga Puja 2025 tour packages are available:
- Puja Tour package 2025 from Kolkata – Designed for travelers who want curated experiences including transport, meals, and guided pandal visits.
- Durga Puja tour package from Kolkata – For domestic travelers looking to start their trip from the city itself.
- Wbtc Puja Parikrama 2025 – A government-run bus service that takes you to the best pandals across the city. Affordable, safe, and perfect for group travel.
- Durga Puja Parikrama 2025 – Offered by various travel agencies with AC buses, guides, and sometimes food included.
- Gram Banglar Puja Parikrama – A unique tour option that takes you beyond Kolkata to Bengal’s villages, where traditional Durga Pujas preserve age-old customs.
These curated tours allow you to skip the hassle of transport and crowd management, ensuring you see the best Kolkata Durga Puja 2025 has to offer.
What to Eat During Durga Puja
No Kolkata festival now is complete without food. You’ll find:
- Bhog: Khichuri, labra, chutney, and payesh at pandals.
- Street Food: Phuchka, egg rolls, chowmein, and Mughlai paratha.
- Sweets: Rosogolla, Mishti Doi, Sandesh.
- Special Restaurant Menus: Every major restaurant rolls out Durga Puja thalis.
Beyond Durga Puja: Other Festivals & Attractions
While Durga Puja is the city’s heartbeat, Kolkata celebrates many festivals with equal joy. The famous Saraswati Puja in Kolkata is like Valentine’s Day for the youth, while Kali Puja lights up the city during Diwali.
And if you’re staying longer, explore:
- Victoria Memorial & St. Paul’s Cathedral – Colonial heritage.
- Howrah Bridge – The lifeline of Kolkata.
- Dalhousie Square heritage walk – British-era Kolkata.
- Day trips – Shantiniketan (Tagore’s abode) or Sundarbans (tiger reserve).
The Emotional Goodbye: Dashami
On Vijaya Dashami, Kolkata weeps and celebrates at the same time. Married women smear each other with vermilion during Sindoor Khela, families exchange sweets, and idols are carried to the Hooghly for immersion.
The chants of “Asche bochor abar hobe” fill the air, promising that Durga will return next year. It is an emotional, unforgettable moment that stays with every traveler.
Don’t Miss Durga Puja
Durga Puja is a once-a-year spectacle, and Durga Puja 2025 promises to be bigger than ever. With Mahalaya on 21st September and Dashami on 2nd October, the festival will stretch across late September and early October, drawing millions of visitors.
But remember: hotels, flights, and Durga Puja 2025 tour packages are already in demand. Waiting could mean missing out on the best experiences.
Book your trip now. Craft your Durga Puja itinerary. Call us now for a Puja Parikrama, or visit our website if you want something unique.
Whether you choose a Puja Tour package 2025 from Kolkata or arrange your own travel, one thing is certain—Kolkata Durga Puja 2025 will leave you mesmerized.
Because Durga Puja is not just a celebration—it’s a memory you’ll carry for life.
