A comprehensive guide for pandal hoppers this Durga Puja

From intricately designed pandals to dazzling idols of goddess Durga, Bengaluru's neighbourhoods have come alive with Durga Puja festivities, lights, and the sound of dhak beats. TOI gives a lowdown on the major pandals and their highlights, to help pandal hoppers and curious first-timers chalk out their itineraries this Dasara season.Tribal Dhokra art @ HSR LayoutThis year, South East Bengaluru Bengali Association has brought Dhokra art, an indigenous tribal art form from West Bengal, to give the puja stage in Bengaluru an authentic and traditional look. The association has collaborated with Samarthanam Trust to bring visually challenged people to perform during Durga Puja and present their creative talent. Location: Samarthanam Trust, Sector 4, HSR Layout. For more details, contact Debasis on 98866 27575.‘Lal Sonal Mahal' @ NagapuraThe North Bangalore Cultural Samiti is celebrating its 47th year of Durga Puja festivities in the city. The theme — ‘Laal Sonar Mahal' — is inspired by the rich cultural and historical heritage of India. This theme will bring alive the grandeur of the golden-red palaces of Bengal to the puja pandal, offering a regal experience for visitors through elaborate decorations and thematic representations. Location: Hindu Sadara Kshemabhivrudhi Sangha, Mahalakshmipuram. For more details, contact Kalyan Pathak on 98993 31710.Pingla art @ Ulsoor‘Abhaya Roope Jago' is the 74th celebration of Ulsoor's Bengalee Association. The theme, depicting women's power in all fields and walks of life, will be beautifully adorned in Pingla art. Pingla art, deeply rooted in rural Bengal, is known for its vibrant storytelling through elaborate paintings, reflecting cultural heritage, social issues, and mythology. The traditional art form has been infused with a powerful contemporary theme — an ode to the strength and achievements of women in today's world. Location: 1/A Assaye Road, Ulsoor. For more details, contact Rajkumar Chakraborty on 95387 48933.Vintage Bengali view @ JayamahalThis year's Durga Puja and Sharad Utsav celebrations at Jayamahal revolve around the theme ‘Aantarik', meaning inner view or introspection. This theme invites visitors to dive deeper into the spiritual essence of the festival, offering an immersive experience that goes beyond the surface. The pandal will showcase an aesthetic marvel, highlighting traditional puja samagri (ritual offerings) in rich colours, textures, and designs that evoke the timeless elegance of vintage Bengali culture.Location: Opposite Jayamahal Palace. For more details, contact Tappan Datta on 98450 38782.Fusion of Kannada & Bengali @ KoramangalaAs the Sarathi Socio-cultural Trust in Koramangala gears up for its 22nd year of Durga Puja in the city, the association has planned to incorporate elements from Karnataka and West Bengal for this year's theme. With the tagline ‘Namma Bangalore, Namma Utsav', this year's celebration will be set with an exciting performance of Yakshagana.Location: Mangala Kalyana Mantapa, Ganapathi Temple Rd, Kormangala. For more details, contact 97390 93617.Kashi Vishwanath decor @ HebbalOikotan Hebbal Cultural Society's pandal is inspired by the famous Kashi Viswanath Temple of Varanasi. The idea of building a structure inspired by this thousand-year-old temple resonates with Oikotan's motto of showcasing Indian culture, tradition, and ethos in their themes. Along with a cultural theme, the association is also carrying a social theme, throwing light on justice and women's safety. Location: Oikotan Hebbal Durgotsav, Talent Cricket Academy Ground (behind Green Country Public School), Ballari Road. For more details, contact Debajit Roy on 99000 93129.Smorgasbord of tribal arts @ BellandurThis year's theme of Green Glen Layout Cultural Association is based on various tribal arts and cultures of India. Naming the theme as ‘Prantik – Transcendental art form of Tribal India', the entire mandap or the Durga Puja pandal will be decorated so that it lends a raw, rustic touch to the setup, transporting one to the celebration in a tribal village. Location: Sobha Lakeview Clubhouse. For more details, contact Subhro Goswami on 99022 51817.