Kolkata turns into a walking art gallery during Durga Puja. From the well thought out themes of the pandals to beautifully crafted and painted idols of Maa and her family; every organiser goes all out to create the best-possible experience for the awestruck visitors. As one pandal hops all night during the Pujo week to judge the creativity and indulge in selfies with Maa, Outlook Traveller brings you a hint of the gorgeousness that was Kolkata during Durga Puja.

(Captions by Sharmistha Chaudhuri)

Manjit Singh Hoonjan
The theme at the 41 Pally Pujo at Khidirpur deals with coexistence. The dark and sombre atmosphere gives Maa Durga a very intense look
The theme at the 41 Pally Pujo at Khidirpur deals with coexistence. The dark and sombre atmosphere gives Maa Durga a very intense look
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
One can see the massive Mahismati palace from the blockbuster Bahubali films right here in Kolkata! Just head to the Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town and witness the golden grandeur
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
The pandal at Haridebpur has been made out of objects used or seen daily - wheels, bells, machinery
The pandal at Haridebpur has been made out of objects used or seen daily - wheels, bells, machinery
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
The theme of the Pujo at State Bank Park is how the ‘ami culture’ (I culture) is giving way in recent times from the old and traditional culture of community or togetherness
The theme of the Pujo at State Bank Park is how the ‘ami culture’ (I culture) is giving way in recent times from the old and traditional culture of community or togetherness
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
The idol at Kashi Bose Lane has musical influences. The pandal is made of musical instruments or accompaniments required for producing melody
The idol at Kashi Bose Lane has musical influences. The pandal is made of musical instruments or accompaniments required for producing melody
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
The 25 Pally Pujo at Khidirpur is a masterpiece of the journey of Maa Durga - from Khuti Pujo to Kumartuli to darshan
The 25 Pally Pujo at Khidirpur is a masterpiece of the journey of Maa Durga - from Khuti Pujo to Kumartuli to darshan
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
The Behala Notun Dal theme is Antar Mahal with blankets, clothes clips, masala jars, windows, pillows among other daily objects used as decorations
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
Santosh Mitra Square has gone all out to recreate London in Kolkata! Right from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben, the London Bridge to the iconic red telephone booths, they have them all
Santosh Mitra Square has gone all out to recreate London in Kolkata! Right from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben, the London Bridge to the iconic red telephone booths, they have them all
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
The pandal has been made only with eco friendly materials like bamboo and cane while a giant football stands outside to tell people of the massive event (U-17 World Cup) which will follow Durga Puja
The pandal has been made only with eco friendly materials like bamboo and cane while a giant football stands outside to tell people of the massive event (U-17 World Cup) which will follow Durga Puja
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
The pandal at Chetla Agrani resembles a Shiv Lingam from the outside and inside, different types of wood have been used to create the fantastic theme
The pandal at Chetla Agrani resembles a Shiv Lingam from the outside and inside, different types of wood have been used to create the fantastic theme
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
Dum Dum Tarun Dal has been winning prizes for their themes and idols for ages now. This year, they kept it to a fishing theme with a massive boat and pipes with blue lighting as waves at the entrance
Dum Dum Tarun Dal has been winning prizes for their themes and idols for ages now. This year, they kept it to a fishing theme with a massive boat and pipes with blue lighting as waves at the entrance
Salt Lake AK Block has kept women empowerment as a theme. They’ve recreated Presidency College with murals of famous educationists on the walls
Salt Lake AK Block has kept women empowerment as a theme. They’ve recreated Presidency College with murals of famous educationists on the walls