From nari shakti to chess: Durga puja pandals in Bengaluru set to dazzle with unique themes

Durga Puja is just around the corner, and the city is abuzz with preparations. Artisans are busy sculpting idols of deities, and the Bengali community is gearing up to celebrate the festival with pomp and passion. Across the city, puja pandals are being set up, each with its own unique theme. Here’s a sneak peek into some of the most interesting themes you can look forward to this year and a glimpse into how the preparations are going.

A tribute to women's empowermentWhere: PALACE GROUNDS, Gate No. 6 (Grand Castle)

This year, the Bengaluru Durga Puja Committee is moving to a new, larger venue at Palace Grounds. "This year, we wanted to make a strong statement with the theme Nari Shakti," says Achintya Lal Roy, one of the event organisers. "Through our theme, we want to remind everyone to respect women and celebrate their strength,” he says. What makes their approach even more unique is that the rituals will be led entirely by a group of female priests from Kolkata. The traditional dhakis (drummers) will also be an all-women group. "We are showcasing equality in every possible way, from who performs the puja to who plays the dhak," he adds.

Bringing the Bhagavad Gita to lifeWhere: OIKOTAN HEBBAL CULTURAL SOCIETY

This year, the Oikotan Hebbal Cultural Society is bringing philosophy and spirituality to the forefront with their Durga Puja theme based on the Bhagavad Gita.“We felt the teachings of the Gita are more relevant than ever in today’s world, where peace and harmony are so critical,” says Subhradeep Bhowmik, a member of the organising committee. The pandal décor and Durga idol will reflect elements from the Gita, using pastel shades to create a soft and serene atmosphere. “The pandal is our biggest canvas for visitors to see shlokas and visual representations of Krishna’s teachings,” he adds.

Honouring chess grandmasters Where: NAGAPURA MAHALAKSHMI PURAM

This year, the North Bangalore Cultural Samithi will celebrating Durga Puja with the grand theme of the ‘World of Chess,’ drawing inspiration from the classic game. “We wanted to commemorate all the chess grandmasters and winners this year,” says Rahul Thakurta, one of the organizers. He notes the beautiful connection between the game and the Chausat Yogini, the 64 forms of Shakti. “Our theme is an amalgamation of chess and divine energy,” he adds. In line with the theme, the idol of Durga will be decorated in Sholar Shaj (traditional white decor), but with a twist,” he adds.

Tech meets traditionWhere: Whitefield Hospital Road, Convention Centre

This year, the EBCA Mahapuja is taking Durga Puja celebrations to a new level with a groundbreaking concept. “Our theme this year is Navadurga in 3D, and it’s the first time such a concept is being done—not just in India, but globally,” says organizer Sumantha Paul. Visitors can use their mobile phones to scan special posters of the nine forms of Durga and watch the goddess come to life in 3D on their screens. The idol is being crafted by an artist from Krishnanagar, and the pandal decor is completely eco-friendly.

Folk, faith and fusion Where: BARSHA Durga Puja Ground, Haralur

The BARSHA Bengali Association is creating a cultural bridge between Bengal and Karnataka for its puja celebrations. “This year’s theme, Chitragana, is an artistic blend of Bengal’s traditional Patachitra and Karnataka’s Yakshagana. The entire pandal will be adorned with masks, including Yakshagana masks, Bengal’s Chhau masks, and straw masks,” says Priyanka Singh Roy, one of the organisers. “We wanted to do something truly grand and also add visual elements inspired by Kantara,” she adds.

A celebration of hope, happiness, and positivityWhere: Green Glen Layout Cultural Association, Bellandur

The Green Glen Layout Cultural Association (GGLCA) in Bengaluru has chosen Nataraj, the Dance of Bliss, as its Durga Puja theme. "Considering the turmoil and devastation happening around the world, we wanted to spread a message of hope, happiness, and positivity,” says Souvik Ghosh, Joint Secretary of GGLCA. “Nataraj’s Ananda Tandava represents the victory of harmony over chaos, which connects beautifully with Maa Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.”