Mini Kolkata In Delhi
Every autumn, as the dhaak beats echo and the fragrance of shiuli flowers fills the lanes, Chittaranjan Park in South Delhi becomes a slice of Kolkata. Known as Mini Kolkata, this neighbourhood is where devotion, nostalgia, and community come alive through five unforgettable days of celebration. For anyone unable to visit Kolkata during Durga Puja, CR Park offers the next best thing, complete with dazzling pandals, cultural programmes, and streets overflowing with food stalls serving authentic Bengali delicacies.
This year is particularly special. Three of CR Park’s most iconic pujas—Cooperative Ground, B Block, and Mela Ground—are celebrating their golden jubilee. Each has planned spectacular themes, magnificent idols, and illuminated pandals that are set to attract visitors from across Delhi NCR and beyond.
Pandal Themes That Dazzle
The artistry of CR Park’s pandals is a feast for the eyes. Cooperative Ground has reimagined the golden Sonar Qila of Jaisalmer, inspired by Satyajit Ray’s film Sonar Kella. B Block has taken a soulful turn with the theme of Mother Earth, featuring 50,000 diyas lighting up the pandal against Chandannagar’s famed illuminations. Mela Ground, the largest of them all, is recreating the grandeur of Mahishadal Rajbari, a 16th century palace from East Medinipur.
Other pujas also offer a variety of experiences. Navapalli Durga Puja has chosen a nostalgic theme of traditional Bengali weddings, with the goddess draped in a bridal Banarasi. At Kali Bari, tradition is preserved in its purest form with a spiritual, unthemed puja. Meanwhile, D Block’s celebrations, now in their 29th year, continue to bring the neighbourhood together with collective planning and unmatched enthusiasm.
Food That Defines Pujo
For many, Durga Puja is as much about food as it is about devotion. CR Park’s lanes turn into a gastronomic paradise. From puchkas at Market 1’s Raju Chaat to fish cutlets at Market 2’s Dadu, every corner offers a slice of Bengal. Bhog, served daily in the afternoon, remains the heart of the celebrations with steaming khichuri, labra, chutney, and payesh shared among visitors.
The Anondo Mela, a two day food festival, elevates the culinary experience even further. Here you’ll find rolls, Mughlai parathas, mishti doi, and Kolkata style biryani, along with street favourites like ghugni and kulhad chai. From legendary joints like Rolls N Roast to smaller pop ups, food stalls stay packed till late into the night, ensuring that every visitor leaves satisfied.
Best Time To Visit
The celebrations begin on Panchami but truly come alive after Shashthi evening, when pandals glow with lights and crowds pour in. Mornings are perfect for quieter visits and photography, while evenings bring the energy of Sandhya Aarti, dhunuchi dances, and cultural performances ranging from Rabindra Sangeet to Bollywood concerts.
This year’s lineup even features star singers like Kunal Ganjawala performing at K Block. The festival concludes on Vijay Dashami with the immersion of the idols, and in CR Park, this farewell is marked with eco-friendly rituals that highlight both tradition and responsibility.
The Spirit Of Community
Beyond the lights, music, and food, what makes CR Park’s Durga Puja extraordinary is its sense of community. Every pandal is the result of months of planning, volunteer work, and shared passion. Bhog is served to all, regardless of background, reflecting the inclusivity at the heart of the festival. For probashi Bengalis, it is a way to reconnect with home, while for others, it is a cultural immersion into Bengal’s greatest celebration.
Visiting CR Park during Pujo is like stepping into a postcard of Kolkata—filled with the sound of drums, the glow of lamps, and the joy of people celebrating together. In its golden jubilee year, the celebrations promise to be bigger, brighter, and more memorable than ever before.
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