Kolkata is gearing up for Durga Puja 2025 with iconic themes, centenary celebrations, and breathtaking artistry. IBNS-TWF lensman Avishek Mitra captures striking glimpses of the city’s festive preparations as the countdown to the grand celebration begins
As autumn clouds gather over Bengal and the sound of dhaak begins to echo across lanes and bylanes, Kolkata is once again donning its festive colours for Durga Puja — the city’s grandest celebration. This year, the preparations are in full swing with traditional craftsmanship, dazzling artistry, and innovative themes that not only entertain but also tell stories rooted in Bengal’s history, culture, and spirit.
Durga Puja in Kolkata is more than a religious festival; it is a cultural extravaganza and a collective carnival. Thousands of community pujas, or sarbojonin celebrations, compete with each other to create strikingly original pandals (temporary marquees) and idols that reflect both tradition and modern imagination. From tributes to legendary artists to homages to freedom fighters, 2025 promises a season of awe-inspiring creativity.
Honouring Bengal’s icons
At the heart of Kumortuli — the historic potters’ quarter where artisans sculpt Durga idols — the Kumortuli Sarbojonin Durga Puja has chosen to celebrate the life and works of Padma Shri awardee Bengali cartoonist Narayan Debnath. Their theme, “Narayani Namastute”, pays tribute to Debnath’s enduring creations like Bantul the Great, Handa-Bhonda, and Nonte Phonte, which have been household names for generations of Bengalis. The pandal promises to recreate the playful universe of Debnath’s characters, blending nostalgia with reverence.
In Hazra Park, another historic puja committee steps into its 83rd year with the theme “Dristikone” (
Uttar Kolkata Sarbojanin Durgotsav will pay tribute to the legendary voice behind Mahisasurmardini, Birendra Krishna Bhadra, on his 120th birth anniversary. The club has chosen him as their pandal theme this year, celebrating the man whose dawn-time recitation has become synonymous with Mahalaya for generations of Bengalis.
Centenary celebrations and freedom spirit
Marking its centenary year, Shimla Byayam Samiti’s Sarbajonin Durga Utsav takes a patriotic route. Their theme, “Revolutionary Shrine of Swadeshiyana”, is a salute to Bengal’s freedom struggle, honouring not only leaders like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose but also countless unsung revolutionaries. The pandal will reportedly incorporate archival motifs, sculptures, and installations that remind visitors of Bengal’s indomitable spirit in the quest for independence.
This year’s centenary celebrations are expected to draw massive crowds, blending festive joy with a profound reminder of history.
Themes rooted in life, nature, movies and social consciousness
Beyond historical and cultural motifs, several clubs are exploring themes that resonate with everyday life and environmental consciousness.
Dakshindari Club’s theme, “Dahan”, reflects on destruction and renewal, a concept central to the mythology of Goddess Durga herself. This club in South Dumdum has chosen “Dahan” to signify burning or suffering from burn injuries. This theme is designed to honour acid-attack survivors and bring attention to their lives, struggles, and resilience.
On the other hand, Gauriberia Club’s “Maati O Jibon” (Soil and Life) highlights the intrinsic connection between the earth and existence, an apt reminder in an era of climate change and ecological crisis.
These innovative concepts show how Durga Puja continues to evolve into a space where art, environment, and society converge.
Meanwhile the 71 Pally Sarbojanin Durga Utsav in Ballygunge has chosen its theme this year as a tribute to the golden jubilee of Satyajit Ray’s iconic Feluda story and film Sonar Kella. The theme is titled “Guptodhoner Shondhane”, which translates to “In Search of Hidden Treasure”.
The Larger Canvas of Kolkata’s Puja
While these highlighted pandals grab the headlines, hundreds of others across the city — from neighbourhood pujas to grand showpieces like Santosh Mitra Square, College Square, and Suruchi Sangha — are also preparing unique experiences. From intricate lighting at Chaltabagan to sustainable designs at smaller community pujas, the festival reflects Kolkata’s creative heartbeat.
For artisans, decorators, and organisers, months of labour go into erecting these ephemeral marvels that last barely a week. Yet for millions of visitors, both from within India and abroad, these few days of Durga Puja become unforgettable — a spectacle where faith meets art and tradition merges with innovation.
Looking Ahead
As Kolkata gears up for the five-day extravaganza in October, the themes, artistry, and cultural symbolism ensure that the city will once again transform into a vast, open-air art gallery. Whether it is reliving the nostalgia of Narayan Debnath’s cartoons, saluting Bengal’s revolutionary past, or reflecting on the cycle of life and nature, this year’s Durga Puja reaffirms its position not only as UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity but also as the beating heart of Bengal’s cultural identity.
IBNS-TWF
