Durga Puja is not just a festival; it's an emotion, a celebration of culture, art, and the victory of good over evil. While Kolkata is synonymous with Durga Puja, the vibrant festivities in Delhi have carved out their own special place in the hearts of residents and visitors alike. Over the years, Delhi has emerged as a hub for pandal hopping, drawing people from all walks of life to witness the grand celebrations. Whether you’re in search of traditional rituals or contemporary artistic themes, Delhi offers a range of magnificent Durga Puja pandals in 2024 that you simply cannot miss.

 

List of 10 Durga Puja Pandals to Visit in Delhi

 

1. Kashmiri Gate Durga Puja

Location: Bengali Senior Secondary School, Alipur Road, Kashmiri Gate

Nearest Metro: Kashmere Gate

Specialty: Oldest Durga Puja in Delhi (since 1910), Traditional ‘Daaker Saaj’ Idols

 

Kashmiri Gate Durga Puja is not only the oldest in Delhi but also one of the most cherished. This puja began in 1910 and retains the essence of a traditional ‘baroyari’ or community celebration. The idol is adorned in the elegant ‘Daaker Saaj,’ a traditional form of decoration using silver foil. A visit here is like stepping back in time, as the organizers strive to maintain the authentic spirit of the celebration. Their immersion ritual at Yamuna Ghat on Dashami is a sight to behold.

 

 

2. Kalibari Durga Puja, Mayur Vihar-1

Location: Kalibari, Mayur Vihar-1

Nearest Metro: Mayur Vihar-1

Specialty: Famous Bhog, Yearly Theme Pujas

 

Image Courtesy: Holidify

Kalibari Durga Puja in Mayur Vihar is a must-visit if you want to experience the joy of community participation. The delicious bhog or prasad served here is one of the highlights, with visitors queuing up to savor the delectable food. Each year, the organizers adopt a unique theme for their pandal, adding a modern twist to traditional celebrations. The cultural programs are another major attraction, making this pandal a hub of entertainment and devotion.

 

 

3. Matri Mandir Durga Puja, Safdarjung Enclave

Location: B-2 Block, Safdarjung Enclave

Nearest Metro: AIIMS

Specialty: 53 Years of Traditional Celebrations, Award-Winning Puja

Celebrating its 53rd year in 2024, Matri Mandir Durga Puja is renowned for maintaining its rich traditions while also being recognized with multiple awards over the years. This pandal is an exemplary model of dedication to the festival’s cultural roots, and the community spirit here is evident in every aspect of the celebrations. The simple yet beautiful decoration of the pandal allows visitors to focus on the rituals and cultural performances that form the heart of this puja.

 

 

 

Also check: Best Places in Kolkata to Celebrate Durga Puja in 2024

 

4. Chittaranjan Park (C.R. Park) Kalibari Durga Puja

Location: Chittaranjan Park

Nearest Metro: Nehru Enclave

Specialty: Celebrity Visits, Enthusiastic Crowds, Lavish Bhog

Image Courtesy: English Jagran

Durga Puja in C.R. Park is a legendary experience in Delhi. This area, often referred to as "Mini Kolkata," comes alive with multiple pandals, but the Kalibari Durga Puja remains the most iconic. The energy here is infectious, with thousands of people visiting the pandals daily. Expect to see celebrities mingling with the crowds and a bhog that has become the talk of the town. The massive scale of events and the beautifully themed pandals make this a must-visit during Durga Puja.

 

5. Minto Road Durga Puja Samity

Location: Minto Road

Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk

Specialty: Established in 1940, Simplistic Pandals, Traditional Celebrations

Image Courtesy: Herzindagi

Minto Road Durga Puja is one of Delhi’s oldest community pujas, tracing its origins to 1940. The focus here is on simplicity and tradition. The pandal may not be as grand as others, but the sense of devotion and the cultural events held during the puja are worth experiencing. The samity is deeply rooted in traditional values, and visitors often praise the intimate, communal atmosphere.

 

6. Timarpur and Civil Line Durga Puja

Location: Civil Lines

Nearest Metro: Vishwavidyalaya

Specialty: Over 100 Years Old, Traditional Idols, Cultural Programs

Established in 1914, the Timarpur and Civil Line Durga Puja is one of the oldest in India, not just Delhi. The puja is steeped in tradition, from the idol’s design to the rituals performed. Despite financial hardships over the years, the community has continued to uphold this grand celebration, which is deeply rooted in Bengali culture. Their Dashami immersion at Geeta Ghat is one of the highlights of the festival.

 

 

7. Arambagh Durga Puja Samity

Location: R K Ashram Marg

Nearest Metro: R K Ashram Marg

Specialty: Big-Budget Themes, Jaw-Dropping Pandals

If you’re looking for grandeur, Arambagh Durga Puja is the place to be. Known for its extravagant theme-based pandals, this celebration rivals those in Kolkata. In 2013, the committee spent around two crores on a single year’s decorations, and they haven’t slowed down since. Expect to be awestruck by their creative designs, and don’t forget your camera, as every corner of this pandal is Instagram-worthy!

 

8. Mela Ground Durga Puja, C.R. Park

Location: Mela Ground, C.R. Park

Nearest Metro: Nehru Enclave

Specialty: Traditional Bengali Atmosphere, Dhakis, Conch Sounds

If you want to experience the sights and sounds of a traditional Durga Puja, the Mela Ground pandal in C.R. Park is a must-visit. From the rhythmic beats of the dhakis (traditional drummers) to the sacred sound of conch shells, this pandal captures the essence of Bengali Durga Puja. The community spirit is alive and well here, with multiple activities for both adults and children.

 

 

9. Antaranga Durga Puja, Mayur Vihar

Location: Near Supreme Enclave Apartments, Mayur Vihar-1

Nearest Metro: Mayur Vihar-1

Specialty: NGO-Run, Tradition-Focused Pandal, Cultural Events

 

Though one of the newer pandals, started in 1993, Antaranga Durga Puja has quickly become a favorite for many. Run by an NGO, the focus here is on promoting the culture of eastern India. The rituals are strictly followed, and the cultural programs in the evenings showcase the best of Indian art and traditions. There’s also a strong emphasis on charity, with donation drives organized during the festival.

 

10. Sushant Lok Durga Puja, Gurgaon

Location: Sushant Lok, Gurgaon

Nearest Metro: IFFCO Chowk

Specialty: Community-Centric Celebrations, Celebrity Performances

 

Sushant Lok Durga Puja in Gurgaon is another standout for its community-driven celebrations. The theme may be simpler compared to other pandals, but the zeal and participation of the residents make this pandal a joyful place to visit. They often invite celebrities to perform at their cultural programs, so be sure to check the schedule and plan your visit accordingly.