Durga Puja is one of Kolkata’s biggest cultural celebrations. During Puja week, the city comes alive with beautifully designed pandals, artistic Durga idols, vibrant lighting, and large crowds.
In 2026, the main festive days of Durga Puja in Kolkata run from Maha Shashthi on October 16 to Vijaya Dashami on October 21, with Maha Ashtami falling on October 19 and Maha Navami on October 20.
If you’re planning to go pandal hopping in Kolkata in 2026, here are 10 famous pandals worth considering. Note that this is a curated visitor list rather than an official ranking, since themes and arrangements can change closer to the festival.
1. Sreebhumi Sporting Club
Sree Bhumi Sporting Club
Location: Lake Town, North Kolkata
Sreebhumi Sporting Club is one of the most talked-about Durga Puja destinations in Kolkata. It is particularly known for large-scale pandal designs, elaborate lighting and architectural themes.
The scale of the decoration makes Sreebhumi a popular stop for visitors who enjoy spectacular theme-based Puja celebrations. Current 2026 guides continue to include it among Kolkata’s major pandal attractions.
Best for: Large-scale themes, lighting and photography
Nearest Metro: Belgachia area
2. Santosh Mitra Square
Santosh Mitra Square
Location: Lebutala, Bowbazar
Santosh Mitra Square is famous for its ambitious themes, detailed artwork and large-scale installations. The pandal is located in central Kolkata, making it convenient to combine with other popular Central Kolkata Puja destinations.
The 2026 pandal circuit lists Santosh Mitra Square among the major attractions, while current local guides highlight its high-tech and immersive presentation style.
Best for: Theme pandal, lighting and modern installations
Nearest Metro: Central Metro
3. College Square Durga Puja
Location: College Street, Central Kolkata
College Square is one of the most recognisable Durga Puja locations in Central Kolkata. Its biggest attraction is the combination of the Puja pandal, decorative lighting and the nearby water body.
At night, the lights reflected on the water create a distinctive view that makes College Square popular with photographers and visitors.
Best for: Lakeside views, lighting and photography
Nearest Metro: Mahatma Gandhi Road
4. Bagbazar Sarbojanin Durgotsav
Location: Bagbazar, North Kolkata
Bagbazar Sarbojanin is one of Kolkata’s well-known traditional Durga Puja celebrations. Unlike pandals that focus mainly on large modern structures, Bagbazar is strongly associated with the traditional character of Kolkata’s Puja.
It is also part of several 2026 pandal-hopping guides covering the heritage areas of North Kolkata.
Best for: Traditional Puja atmosphere and heritage
Nearest Metro: Shobhabazar Sutanuti
5. Ekdalia Evergreen Club
Location: Ekdalia Road, Gariahat
Ekdalia Evergreen Club is a long-established South Kolkata Puja known for grand architecture and traditional presentation. It is located close to the busy Gariahat and Ballygunge areas.
A 2026 local Puja guide reports a Somnath Temple-inspired pandal for this year’s celebration, although visitors should check the committee’s latest announcements before travelling.
Best for: Traditional architecture and large-scale decoration
Nearest Metro: Kalighat / Jatin Das Park
6. Suruchi Sangha
Location: New Alipore, South Kolkata
Suruchi Sangha has been celebrating Durga Puja since 1952 and is known for creative themes and artistic presentations.
There are currently differing online reports about the 2026 theme. One current guide lists Padma (Lotus), while another directory says the official theme was still awaiting confirmation. Therefore, visitors should verify the theme before publishing or planning around it.
Best for: Artistic themes and cultural presentation
Nearest Metro: Majerhat / Rabindra Sarobar area
7. Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin
Location: Kumartuli, North Kolkata
Kumartuli is closely associated with Kolkata’s famous community of traditional clay idol makers. Visiting Kumartuli during Durga Puja gives visitors an opportunity to experience both the Puja and the artistic heritage of the area.
Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin is included in current 2026 pandal directories and North Kolkata visitor routes.
Best for: Idol craftsmanship, heritage and traditional atmosphere
Nearest Metro: Shobhabazar Sutanuti
8. Chetla Agrani Club
Location: Chetla, South Kolkata
Chetla Agrani is another popular name on South Kolkata’s Durga Puja circuit. The Puja is known for creative pandal concepts and attracts a large number of visitors during the festival.
It is frequently grouped with other South Kolkata attractions such as Suruchi Sangha and Ekdalia Evergreen for pandal hopping.
Best for: Creative themes and South Kolkata pandal hopping
Nearest Metro: Jatin Das Park / Kalighat
9. Deshapriya Park
Location: Kalighat, South Kolkata
Deshapriya Park is a familiar name among South Kolkata Durga Puja destinations. Its location makes it possible to combine the pandal with several nearby Puja celebrations around Kalighat, Hazra and Ballygunge.
It is included in current 2026 South Kolkata pandal guides along with Ekdalia Evergreen, Chetla Agrani and other established celebrations.
Best for: South Kolkata Puja circuit
Nearest Metro: Kalighat
10. Maddox Square
Location: Ballygunge, South Kolkata
Maddox Square is one of the popular community Puja destinations in South Kolkata. The open-square setting gives it a different atmosphere from enclosed theme pandals.
For 2026, current guides indicate that the final theme was still awaiting announcement. The area can become particularly busy during the evening, so visitors should allow extra time.
Best for: Open-air festive atmosphere and evening visits
Nearest Metro: Rabindra Sarobar / Kalighat area
Kolkata Durga Puja 2026 Pandal List at a Glance
| Pandal | Area | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Sreebhumi Sporting Club | Lake Town | Large-scale themes |
| Santosh Mitra Square | Bowbazar | Modern theme displays |
| College Square | Central Kolkata | Lakeside lighting |
| Bagbazar Sarbojanin | North Kolkata | Traditional Puja |
| Ekdalia Evergreen | Gariahat | Grand architecture |
| Suruchi Sangha | New Alipore | Artistic themes |
| Kumartuli Park | Kumartuli | Idol craftsmanship |
| Chetla Agrani | Chetla | Creative themes |
| Deshapriya Park | Kalighat | South Kolkata circuit |
| Maddox Square | Ballygunge | Open-square atmosphere |
Which Area Is Best for Pandal Hopping?
Instead of trying to cover the entire city in one night, divide your trip by area.
North and Central Kolkata
You can combine:
- Bagbazar Sarbojanin
- Kumartuli Park
- College Square
- Santosh Mitra Square
These locations give you a mix of traditional Puja, idol-making heritage and large-scale decorations. Current 2026 guides also group several of these locations into North/Central Kolkata routes.
South Kolkata
A South Kolkata route can include:
- Ekdalia Evergreen
- Maddox Square
- Deshapriya Park
- Chetla Agrani
- Suruchi Sangha
South Kolkata has several major Puja destinations within the Gariahat, Ballygunge, Kalighat, Chetla and New Alipore areas.
Lake Town and North-East Kolkata
Keep Sreebhumi Sporting Club as a separate stop if possible. Its location and popularity can make it difficult to combine comfortably with several distant pandals in a short evening.
When Is Durga Puja 2026 in Kolkata?
The main Durga Puja days in Kolkata in 2026 are:
| Puja Day | Date |
|---|---|
| Maha Shashthi | 16 October 2026 |
| Maha Saptami | 18 October 2026 |
| Maha Ashtami | 19 October 2026 |
| Maha Navami | 20 October 2026 |
| Vijaya Dashami | 21 October 2026 |
The Indian Meteorological Department’s Kolkata Panchanga lists Saptami on October 18, Ashtami on October 19 and Navami/Dashami observances across October 20–21.
Final Thoughts
Kolkata’s Durga Puja is about much more than visiting a single famous pandal. From the traditional atmosphere of Bagbazar and the idol-making heritage of Kumartuli to the large-scale presentations at Sreebhumi, Santosh Mitra Square, and Ekdalia Evergreen, every area offers a distinct Puja experience.
For Durga Puja 2026, planning your pandal-hopping route by geographical area can save considerable time and walking. Before heading out, check the latest theme details, entry arrangements, traffic restrictions, and Metro information, as several factors can change closer to the festival.