Navratri 2017: Go pandal hopping across Delhi-NCR, this Durga Puja

Excited for Pujo? Here’s where you can catch the best of pandals, food and a slice of Bengali culture, this Durga Puja, which begins September 26.

Durga Puja or Pujo — as Bengalis usually call it, has become one of the most celebrated festivals even in Delhi-NCR. Kolkata certainly has the best Pujo celebrations, and has some of the best pandals. But, Delhi-NCR isn’t far behind too. The pandals have been a part of the Durga puja celebrations in the city for a long time, of late, the trend has percolated the Capital’s fringes, too. The six days of the pujo —Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Vijayadashami — are celebrated with the enthusiasm that’s associated with this eclectic festival.

A glimpse of how the Durga Puja is celebrated in the Capital. (Raj K Raj /HT Photo)

For those planning to go pandal-hopping, and indulge in the festivity, Bong-style, here are all the places where you must visit and soak in the mood from September 26.

Women power

This year’s Durga Puja is based on Nari Shakti, and will showcase the success stories of strong-willed Indian female icons such as Kalpana Chawla, Mary Kom, the Indian women’s cricket and hockey teams, and sports stars such as PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and Sakshi Malik.

Catch It Live

When: September 26 to 30

Where: Matri Mandir, Block B2, Safdarjung Enclave

Timings: 3pm onwards

Royalty-inspired pandal

Known for its opulent designs, this pandal has been attracting thousands every year, since the 1940s. The pandal is known for its dhunuchi naach and pushpanjali, and is a spectacle to behold.

Catch It Live

Where: Minto Road Durga Puja Pandal, CP, Meeting point of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg and Ahalya Bai Road

When: September 26 to 30

Timings: Timings vary according to day (Best time to visit is in the evening)

A scene from the Durga Puja celebrations. (Raj K Raj/HT Photo)

Delhi’s mini Bengal

Witness the best of Probashi celebrations in Delhi’s CR Park. A grand pandal, grander feasts and the most beautiful idols, there is so much to this celebration. There might be other aesthetically-pleasing pandals in the area, but nothing really comes close to the beauty of this one.

Catch It Live

When:September 26 to 30

Where: Chittaranjan Park, Kali Mandir

Timings: Timings vary

Replicating West Bengal’s beauty

This year, this Pujo is on the theme of Chalo Jai Ranga Matir Deshe and aims to replicate the beauty of Bengal, depicting popular sights and places of the state through its beautiful installations. With art forms and cultures that are intrinsic to Bengal, the puja will also witness folk performances in the Baul tradition, and have handicrafts such as Potoshilpo on display. Music groups will perform on all days. The highlight will be a Kolkata-based rock band, Cactus that will perform on the evening of September 29.

Catch It Live

When: September 26 to 30

Where: Maruti Vihar, Sec 29, Gurgaon

Timings: 9am to 10 pm

The Ghats come to town

The theme at this puja is Kolkata’s Prinsep Ghat. It will have an 18-feet high Durga idol. Alongside, there will be performances by contemporary musicians from Kolkata and singer Sahaj Ma. Also, don’t miss the feast at the Anando mela on Shashthi (Sept 26).

Catch It Live

When: September 26 to 29

Where: Sector 56, adjacent Huda Community centre, Gurgaon

Timings: 7pm to 10pm

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