Durga Puja is one of the biggest Indian festivals of the year. Theme artists, along with big-budget puja committees, have already finalised their themes and are preparing their pandals to be ready for the public as early as possible. Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of the festive season, falls on Sunday, 21 September 2025, and most pandals aim to open by that day.
You can witness a spectacular array of themes this year. Tala Prattoy will celebrate its 100th year, and Ballygunge Cultural will mark its 75th in 2025. After a decade, Deshapriya Park is set to once again showcase the World’s Biggest Durga Idol for Durga Puja 2025.
Inspirations range from global landmarks such as the majestic Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in the USA to the sacred Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu. Themes also include cutting-edge ideas like Artificial Intelligence and Operation Sindoor, a military operation, promising a truly diverse and globally influenced celebration. This unique festival has also been recognised globally as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its immense cultural significance.
Please note: Any illustrations or graphic designs shared here are for illustrative purposes only, intended to showcase potential Durga Puja theme concepts. They are not official Durga Puja Committee banners or endorsements.
With just a few months remaining until Durga Puja 2025 (27 September to 2 October), most of Kolkata’s popular clubs are already well into their theme preparations. Here are 10 must-visit theme pandals this year that are sure to grab attention.
1. Sreebhumi Sporting Club: Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, USA
Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town is ready with a unique theme for Durga Puja 2025. This year, their pandal is inspired by the famous Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Jersey, USA, showcasing white stone designs, a grand gateway, and golden elephant statues. In 2024, they recreated Tirupati Balaji. Earlier themes included Disneyland, Burj Khalifa, and the Vatican City. Huge crowds are expected again for this big-budget attraction.
Google Maps: Sreebhumi Sporting Club
2. Santosh Mitra Square: Operation Sindoor
Santosh Mitra Square’s Durga Puja 2025 theme is “Operation Sindoor”, paying tribute to the Indian Armed Forces. The theme is inspired by the precision strikes on nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, following the brutal Pahalgam attack that claimed 25 Indian and one Nepali life. Focused and non-escalatory in nature, the operation avoided military targets, showing restraint with strength. The pandal reflects justice, courage, and national pride.
Google Maps: Santosh Mitra Square
3. Deshapriya Park: Biggest Durga
Deshapriya Park made 88-feet-tall Durga idol in 2015 that drew huge crowds. Now, in 2025, Deshapriya Park is hinting at another exciting event. They’ve put up new posters that say, “Deshapriya Park is the Puja destination again after 10 years.” This makes people wonder what big thing they’ll do to celebrate 10 years since their famous large idol. Everyone is excited to see what their big surprise will be!
Google Maps: Deshapriya Park
4. Tala Prattoy: Bij Angan(a seed courtyard)
Tala Prattoy Durga Puja is set for a landmark 2025, celebrating its 100th year! To mark this centenary, the committee has announced “Bij Angan” (a seed courtyard) as its unique theme. In 2024, they featured “Bihin – The Void,” creating immersive experiences for visitors with its concept of a formless existence.
Google Maps: Tala Prattoy
5. Ekdalia Evergreen: Arunachaleswarar Temple
Ekdalia Evergreen, located in Kolkata’s vibrant Gariahat area, presents the Arunachaleswarar Temple as its 2025 theme. Known for its grand towers and intricate stone carvings, the ancient Tamil Nadu temple is recreated with stunning detail. The attention to craftsmanship reflects Ekdalia’s legacy of preserving tradition through its Durga Puja celebrations.
Google Maps: Ekdalia Evergreen
6. Jagat Mukherjee Park: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Jagat Mukherjee Park’s Durga Puja 2025 will show how artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a part of daily life. The theme connects science and spirituality, showcasing both the benefits and risks of AI. The pandal will highlight how AI affects human behaviour. Even the idol will include AI-inspired elements, created carefully without hurting any religious feelings.
Google Maps: Jagat Mukherjee Park
7. Nalin Sarkar Street: Rupantar (Transformation)
Nalin Sarkar Street Sarbojanin Durgotsab presents the theme “Rupantar” (Transformation) for Durga Puja 2025. The committee gained huge popularity in 2023 with their theme “Abol Tabol Para,” a colourful tribute to Sukumar Ray’s rhymes that went viral on social media. Known for their creativity and unique ideas, they are set to impress again.
Google Maps: Nalin Sarkar Street
8. Chaltabagan Sarbojonin: Ami Banglai Bolchi (I Speak in Bengali)
This year, Chaltabagan Sarbojanin presents its heartfelt Durga Puja theme, “Ami Banglay Bolchi” (I Speak in Bengali). The theme is a vibrant tribute to Bengali culture and identity, capturing the essence of Bangaliyana, which reflects the spirit of being Bengali. Expect an immersive celebration of language, tradition, and pride.
Google Maps: Chaltabagan Sarbojanin
9. College Square: Angkor Wat Temple, Cambodia
College Square Durga Puja, celebrated since 1948, is one of Central Kolkata’s most famous pujas. Known for its grand pandal and stunning lighting, the reflection on the water creates a magical view. In 2025, they will showcase a majestic theme inspired by Cambodia’s Angkor Wat Temple.
Google Maps: College Square
10. Telengabagan Durgotsab: Sutrapath
Telengabagan Sarbojanin is a well-known Durga Puja in the Ultadanga area of North Kolkata. In 2025, they are celebrating their 60th year. This year, their theme is “Sutrapat.”
Google Maps: Telengabagan Durgotsab
Conclusion:
Durga Puja in Kolkata is a grand mix of tradition and creativity. These 10 puja themes show the city’s amazing art and ideas. For a smooth pandal-hopping experience, check our Kolkata Metro Rail Guide to reach top pujas easily. Wear comfy shoes, stay hydrated, and start early. Wishing you a joyful and blessed Durga Puja!