Durga Pandal Hopping | Blog by Naman, 9, Kolkata
Durga Pooja may be over but 9-year-old Naman Jain is still excited talking about his enchanting Durga Pandal hopping in Kolkata.
Durga- Pandal Hopping
It was Durga Puja time. My parents and I made the decision to go pandal-hopping. Pandal hopping is a popular Durga puja tradition. We went to several pandals, but the best three were:
Tridhara:
Tridhara is one of the most famous pandal destinations in Kolkata. When my mother and I arrived, we discovered that most of the roads were blocked by police barricades. As a result, we had to enter through a back alley behind the food stalls.
We arrived at a point where there was a queue to see Maa Durga after walking for 2 minutes. A police volunteer was just setting up a barricade, but my mother and I slipped through. The sight that beheld us was mind-boggling. Maa Durga was flawlessly white and spotless.
A number of chandeliers and lamps hung around her. The ceiling was made of multicoloured glasses and nets that had been glued together. The light reflected off the great Durga Maa idol, which glowed a thousand colours. This amazing site blew my mind. After that, we left Tridhara for our next destination.
CHETLA AGRANI CLUB:
I could have been blown away like a feather when we walked into Chetla Agrani Club. On the side were two sculptures of vultures fighting, their feathers ruffled and brightly illuminated in red. There was an eagle head in the centre, with its mouth open and its tongue lashing out.
On the other side, steps rose from the ground, and golden statues of humans climbed the stairs in an attempt to reach the eagle. Maa Durga’s face was turned towards us as we entered the eagle’s mouth, her trident on the heart of the demon Mahishasura. Her lion stood by her side, the buffalo (in which Mahishasura had been hiding) beneath it.
Maa Durga was encrusted with jewels from head to toe. When I saw this, I felt great about the work that had gone into building this structure. People were taking photos from all angles. There were cops all over, asking people to hurry up and leave the pandal because it was already overcrowded. After seeing all of this, we proceeded to the next pandal.
THE GREAT ADIYOGI:
This massive sculpture of God Shiv’s head is magnificent. It was made at BJ Block in Salt Lake City. This Adi Yogi was nowhere near as large as the original, which was located on the outskirts of Coimbatore. The sculpture was breathtaking in its beauty. I was astounded that the sculptors in Kolkata could create such a large replica in such a short period of time.
Shiv’s eyes were half-opened, and he was wearing gold earrings. On each side of the room, there were small statues of serpents crawling. Later in the evening, there was a laser show, but we were too early to see it. As we entered the pandal, we noticed that it was made of glass pieces that had been stuck together.
A chandelier hung above our heads, and Maa Durga stood on the right side facing us, her ten hands holding the chakra, conch, bow-and-arrow, trisula, shield, noose, and lotus. Her trisula is in the heart of the demon Mahishasura. There was also a fair, and I participated in the dragon and bike rides. After that, we left the pandal.
FAQ – Durga- Pandal Hopping
Q1. What is pandal-hopping?
Pandal-hopping is the tradition of visiting different Durga Puja pandals (temporary decorative structures housing the idol of Maa Durga). People move from one pandal to another to admire the artistic themes, decorations, and idols.
Q2. Why is pandal-hopping so popular during Durga Puja?
Each pandal has its own unique theme, decorations, and artistic style. From mythological scenes to modern concepts, pandals showcase creativity, culture, and devotion. That’s why people love visiting multiple pandals to experience the variety.
Q3. Which are some of the most famous Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata?
Some well-known pandals include Tridhara, Chetla Agrani Club, Suruchi Sangha, College Square, Bagbazar, and Santosh Mitra Square. Every year, new designs and concepts attract huge crowds.
Q4. What time is best for pandal-hopping?
Evenings and nights are the best time, as pandals are beautifully lit up and cultural programs take place. However, mornings are less crowded and more comfortable for families with children.
Q5. Is there any entry fee for visiting pandals?
No, entry to Durga Puja pandals is free. They are open to everyone, and the puja committees fund the decorations through donations and sponsorships.
Q6. How do people usually prepare for pandal-hopping?
Most people wear festive clothes, carry water bottles, and plan their route in advance because of heavy crowds and traffic diversions. Comfortable shoes are also recommended as lots of walking is involved.
Q7. What else can one do besides visiting pandals during Durga Puja?
Besides pandal-hopping, people enjoy street food, shop at festive stalls, attend cultural programs, and watch traditional dances and music performances. Many also spend time with friends and family, making it a social celebration as well as a religious one.
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