Explore Popular Pandal Themes for Durga Puja 2024 in Kolkata

Kolkata is the epicenter of Durga Puja celebrations. During Durga Puja, Kolkata becomes the center of cultural and artistic display. With each passing year, the creativity behind the pandals reaches new heights, and 2024 is no exception. Whether you're a local or visiting the city, these popular theme pandals are worth your time. Let’s dive into the top themed pandals for Durga Puja 2024 and discover their unique artistry, geographical routes, and the easiest way to explore them all.

1. Lalabagan Nabankur Durga Puja Pandal: A Green Wonderland

Lalabagan Nabankur in North Kolkata has embraced an eco-friendly theme for Durga Puja 2024. Over 8,000 plants and 50 species have been cultivated to create a mini-forest around the pandal, emphasising the message of environmental conservation. Visitors are surrounded by greenery, experiencing the essence of "Mother Nature." The artist, Prasanta Pal, has cleverly portrayed the greenhouse effect, urging visitors to reflect on the importance of preserving the environment. This is one of the top eco-friendly pandals in Kolkata 2024, making it a must-visit for those passionate about sustainability.

2. Sree Bhumi Sporting Club: The Tirupati Temple Recreation

One of the most anticipated pandals every year, Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town is known for its grand designs. In 2024, they recreated the iconic Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Temple, capturing the attention of thousands. Along with the magnificent temple structure, they are distributing one lakh pure ghee laddus to visitors. The theme supports the sacred nature of the Tirupati Temple, addressing the controversy over the use of animal fat in laddus. According to Dibyendu Kishore Goswami, 15 cooks from Tirupati are making laddus using pure ghee, ensuring authenticity. 

3. Ahiritola Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity: Tour of Old Calcutta Via Time Machine

Nestled in North Kolkata, Ahiritola Sarbojanin transports visitors to the charm of Old Calcutta. Their 2024 theme showcases nostalgic elements like hand-pulled rickshaws and stunning 3D figures of old streets. In an innovative twist, the pandal presents four Durga idols, capturing scenes from the Durga Visarjan at different ghats of Kolkata. The creative team has beautifully used bamboo in front of the pandal to represent the idols’ immersion in water, reinforcing the city’s deep-rooted traditions.

4. Suruchi Sangha: Purano Diner Kotha A Journey Through Nostalgia

In the heart of New Alipore, Suruchi Sangha has crafted a heartwarming theme called "Purano Diner Kotha" (Tales of the Old Days). The pandal is an ode to the simpler joys of life that have faded with modernisation. Expect to see vintage items like old scooter parts, cultivation props, gamcha and even the traditional moshari (mosquito nets), reminding us of what once made life special. The artistry here is impeccable, with rustic decor that instantly pulls you back in time.

5. AK Block Durga Puja Saltlake: Rainwater Conservation

This year, AK Block in Salt Lake brings forth an innovative and socially relevant theme focusing on rainwater conservation, using traditional Bengali props like pots and buckets in the centerpiece. Their pandal walls are adorned with intricate sketches depicting the simplicity of rural Bengal. The pandal design represents how middle-class homes in Bengal preserve rainwater for later use. The rhythmic sound of raindrops sets a peaceful tone, while the central attraction—a little girl in traditional attire sitting beside Durga—symbolises the reverence towards women and the Mother Earth.

6. Samaj Sebi Sangha: Karshan The Struggles of Indian Farmers

At Samaj Sebi Sangha in Bhowanipore, the theme this year is inspired by the hardships of India’s farmers. The pandal captures the essence of rural Bengal, with life-size depictions of farming activities, using old machines like lagon and dekhi. The striking visuals offer a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the farming community, emphasised through symbolic representations like a Goddess Lakshmi idol inside a prison, symbolising rising food costs.

7. Dum Dum Tarun Dal: The Indigo Revolt

Dum Dum Tarun Dal is diving into history with their theme based on the "Nil Bidroho" or the Indigo Revolt of 1859. This historical movement saw Bengali peasants rise against British oppression, and artists Pradip Das and Pintu Sikder have brought this tale to life.The pandal showcases intricate murals and sculptures that narrate the story of this significant rebellion, creating a deeply emotional and impactful experience.

8. Alipore Sarbojanin: Bohurupi

In South Kolkata, Alipore Sarbojanin presents the theme of "Bohurupi", celebrating the multifaceted forms of Goddess Durga. The pandal uses folk art performances by Bohurupis, actors who mimic mythological characters like Kali, Shiva, and Durga. This traditional art form from the Bedia community is brought back to life, making the pandal a cultural treat for visitors.

As you explore popular Durga Puja pandals of 2024, take time to appreciate the artistry, symbolism, and effort that goes into creating these masterpieces. To get the full Durga puja experience, you should take public transport, as the roads are always jammed up for the celebration. Go early and stay late to soak up the atmosphere, the lights, and the music and don't forget to munch on the popular street food in the pandal joint. Each pandal tells a unique story, making Kolkata Pandal Hopping 2024 an unforgettable experience.