North Kolkata keeps the older style: sabeki idols with the traditional face and daker saj ornament, bamboo and cloth pandals rather than art installations, and pujas that have run continuously for a century. Bagbazar Sarbojanin, started in 1919, is the one people call the most traditional in the city.
The exception at the northern edge is Sreebhumi, which builds an enormous replica of a famous building every year and draws crowds large enough to close roads.
The names
Places, pujas and people, with what each one is| Name | Where | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Bagbazar Sarbojanin1919 | Bagbazar | The most traditional of the big community pujas; sabeki idol, and a fair alongside. |
| Ahiritola Sarbojanin1919 | Ahiritola | A century-old puja near the river. |
| Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin1933 | Kumartuli | The idol-makers’ own puja. |
| Jagat Mukherjee Park1930s | Shyambazar | A long-running north Kolkata puja. |
| Nalin Sarkar Street1930s | Hatibagan | Known for well-made traditional pandals. |
| Kashi Bose Lane1930s | Hatibagan | A north Kolkata favourite, often themed. |
| Shyampukur Sarbojanin1930s | Shyampukur | Traditional north Kolkata puja. |
| Sreebhumi Sporting Club1970s | Lake Town, north fringe | Builds a full-scale replica of a famous building each year; the crowds are extreme. |
| Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha1960s | Dum Dum Park | Known for ambitious conceptual pandals. |
| Telengabagan Sarbojanin1960s | Ultadanga | A long-running northern puja. |
| Beliaghata 33 Pally1940s | Beliaghata | Strong on theme work. |
| Hatibagan Sarbojanin1930s | Hatibagan | In the middle of the market area. |
Worth knowing
- North Kolkata is where the traditional sabeki idols are.
- Bagbazar is the one to see if you only see one traditional puja.
- Sreebhumi draws crowds that close roads; go on a weekday or very early.
- Combine with Kumartuli, which is in the same part of the city.
- The north is walkable between pujas; the south is not.
More on Durga Puja
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