Planning to go pandal hopping in Delhi?Read on...
The festivities of Navrati has gripped the nation, while few are fasting for Godess Durga, Bengalis begin feasting at Durga Puja pandals across the country.
The festivals celebrates the victory of the of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Not just Kolkata, the national capital of India which is said to be the mini-India also celebrates every festival including Pujo with full gusto. It's a six day celebration - Mahalaya, Shashthi and Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Vijayadashami. So it's time you plan your pandal hopping in Delhi to experience the festivities Bong-style.
Here's our list of 5 Durga Puja pandals you must visit:
1. Durga Puja Pandal at Chittaranjan Park has become the most popular one. Situated in the mini-Bengal of India, four pandals are being organized in CR park for over 37 years now. The place comes alive with young crowd dressed in their best traditional attires who come to relish the multi-cuisine served and live music bands performing at the pandals. CR Park pandals often are labelled as the grandest pandals with fabulous feasting in Delhi too. Kolkata-based rock band, Cactus that will perform on the evening of Maha Nabami this year. Only glitch, be prepared to battle the traffic jams as these pandals are packed with devotees.
2. Minto Road pandal is one of the oldest pandals in Delhi. Being over 78 years old now, this one is known for its 'bonedi pujo' as well as the 'pushpanjali' ritual of offering flowers. You could also witness the traditional dance called 'Dhanunchi Naach' performed here.
3. Old is Gold! And Kashmere Gate Pandal is the oldest in the capital city. Started way back in 1909, this pandal retains the traditional forms of celebrations till date. Durga's pandal is crafted with classical design and decorated in silver and gold. It's simplicity and elegance makes it class apart. Interestingly, till date the organisers take the idol for a immersion on a bullock cart attracting thousands of devotees to soak in the old world charm.
4. For all those who wish to listen to the classic Rabindra sangeet and recitation, then New Delhi's Kali Bari Temple is the place to go for Durga Puja pandal. One of the oldest pandals in Delhi, the temple still has a traditional celebration which have remained unchanged since 1936. While the celebrations were initially held on Baird Road (present-day Bangla Sahib Road) where the temple was initially located they moved to Mandir Marg where the temple moved in the early ‘30s.
5. The Mayur Vihar Kali Bari pandal is emergencing as another popular destination for pandal hopping. Like most Durga Puja pandals, this one also serves some lip-smacking bhog around mid-noon and that's major reason why so their pandal is packed with crowd each year.
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 "A glimpse of Durga's idol being decorated at Pandal")
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