Come autumn, every Bengali heart waits eagerly for Durga Puja — the biggest celebration of the year. The atmosphere shifts overnight: markets brim with festive shopping, new clothes are picked out, streets are strung with lights, and artisans put their final touches on Durga Thakur idols that will soon grace the pandals.
While Kolkata remains the dream destination to witness the grandeur of Durga Puja festivities, for those who can’t travel there, Durga Pujo in Delhi comes alive in a special way at Chittaranjan Park (CR Park). Fondly called “mini Kolkata,” CR Park is where nostalgia meets devotion, and every block transforms into a hub of Durga Puja celebration.
This year, I indulged in some much-loved pandal hopping in CR Park, and the experience was as vibrant as ever. If you’re planning to soak in the spirit of Durga Puja and Navratri in Delhi, here’s a handy Durga Puja pandal hopping guide with survival tips to make your visit smoother:
Parking woes – Go car-free
During Pujo, Durga Puja pandals in CR Park get extremely crowded, and parking inside the blocks is almost impossible. Most spaces are reserved for residents, so it’s best to park along Main Marg or rely on the metro/cab. Avoid taking your own car, especially on Maha Ashtami or Navami when the crowds peak.
Restricted access inside blocks
Only residents with passes are allowed to drive into the blocks. For everyone else, walking, hopping into e-rickshaws or autos, and weaving between pandals is the only way. But that’s also what makes pandal hopping in CR Park so memorable — the buzz of the streets, the dhaak beats, and the glow of the idols around every turn.
Stay hydrated – The eco-friendly way
The combination of Durga Puja festivities and Delhi’s humid October weather can be exhausting. Carry a refillable water bottle instead of buying plastic ones. Most puja committees have refill points, making it easy to stay hydrated while being environmentally conscious.
Footwear matters – Comfort over style
Think of this as your Durga Puja pandal hopping guide mantra: wear the comfiest shoes you own. CR Park involves a lot of walking, standing, and maneuvering through crowds. Heels or new shoes are a strict no. Comfortable sneakers or flats will save the day — especially in the warm Navaratri Durga Puja weather of Delhi.
The food temptations (Worth the wait)
No Durga Puja celebration is complete without food. Be prepared for long queues at restaurants, especially on Maha Ashtami and Navami nights. For authentic Bengali meals, head to Aami Bangali or Bangla Canvas. Sweet lovers should not miss rosogolla, mishti doi, or sandesh from Kamala Sweets (Market 1) or Annapurna (Market 2).
Street food delights
CR Park’s Durga Puja and Navratri vibes are incomplete without street food. Both Market 1 and 2 come alive with stalls serving Mughlai Paratha, vegetable chops, momos, and rolls. And if you’re craving puchkas, Raju Chaat Corner in Market 1 is legendary. Many pandal stalls also serve Bengali specialties, so explore with your appetite — but wisely, depending on the weather.
Best time for families
If you’re bringing kids or senior citizens, visit during the daytime hours of Pujo. Arrive by 11 am or noon and wrap up by 4 pm. Evenings bring in overwhelming crowds, especially around Maha Ashtami, making it hard to move through the lanes.
Must-visit pujo pandals in CR Park
With nearly every block hosting its own puja, it’s impossible to see them all in one go. But some Durga Puja pandals in CR Park are true crowd-pullers that you shouldn’t miss:
- Mela Ground Pandal (B Block) – Famous for its grand themes and huge crowds, this one is often at the top of every Durga Pujo in Delhi guide. The sheer scale of the idol and decorations is breathtaking.
- Kali Bari (Market 1) – One of the oldest and most traditional pujas in CR Park. If you want to experience the spiritual side of Durga Puja festivities, this is the place. The dhaak, the chanting, and the bhog here are unforgettable.
- K Block Pandal – Known for creative themes and detailed artistry. Every year they experiment with designs, making it a favorite among those who love cultural displays.
- E Block Pandal – Another popular spot that attracts big crowds. The idol here is often traditional, but the decorations and lighting add a special charm.
If you’re short on time, focus on these major ones — they capture the essence of Durga Puja in CR Park beautifully.
Final thoughts: Pujo magic in CR Park
Durga Pujo in Delhi is not just about idols and rituals — it’s about the collective energy, the nostalgia, and the community coming together. Sure, pandal hopping in CR Park is chaotic, exhausting, and will test your patience. But it’s also magical: the sight of Durga Thakur, the rhythm of dhaak, the sparkle of lights, and the burst of flavors from street food.
For Bengalis, CR Park truly feels like home away from home. For everyone else, it’s the perfect chance to witness the magic of Durga Puja celebration outside Kolkata. In the end, Pujo here is a mix of chaos and magic — exhausting, yet unforgettable.
Here are some memories from my visit in 2025
