Top 10 Places To Visit In India During Durga Puja In 2024

India is a stunning nation with a wide range of customs and beliefs. It also hosts many religious festivals and celebrations. Navratri, or Durga Puja, is one of the most spiritual festivals observed in India.

India celebrates Durga Puja, a religious festival honoring the goddess Durga, every year, usually in September or October. The festival is held this year from October 8 to October 12. The Hindu lunar calendar’s most important event, Durga Puja, is observed to honor the conflict between good and evil.

10 Best Places to Visit during Durga Puja in 2024

• Kolkata, West Bengal
• Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Delhi
• Guwahati, Assam
• Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
• Pune, Maharashtra
• South India
• Hyderabad, Telangana

1. Kolkata, West Bengal

In Kolkata, Durga Puja is the most commonly observed festival. The city is decked out like a new bride, and everyone is anticipating the Goddess Durga’s return.

The villagers hold the popular idea that Goddess Durga returned to her family house for nine days, disguised as a married lady. Many pandals are made from bamboo sticks and have exquisite decorations on them. There is a huge statue of Goddess Durga in the pandals. As Bhog, you can also savor a variety of well-known treats that are offered to Maa.

2. Ahmedabad, Gujarat

This festival is dedicated to Lord Ram, who destroyed the evil Raavan. Fireworks can be visible to you all night. To celebrate the life of Ram, Sita’s struggle, and Ram’s victory, numerous stages are erected up and performances of plays, dances, and songs take place. Throughout the festival, performances of the Dandiya and Garba traditional dances take place. Diverse cultural backgrounds are represented at the festival. At this time of year, a must-see is the Sabarmati Ashram outside of the city. A hay Raavan is erected and burned at the end of the evening. People stare in a divine stupor as Ram fires the hay construction, symbolizing the demon’s last annihilation.

3. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mumbai is dubbed the “city of lights” because of its joyous atmosphere. It is the same with festivals as well. On the ninth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, Mumbai celebrates Durga Puja, one of the most important celebrations. This event is one of the top Places To Visit During Durga Puja; it’s a large and passionate occasion.

Mumbai is the city where Durga Puja is truly celebrated. It’s an exciting festival with plenty to offer. Beginning on the very first day of the month and lasting until the ninth, are the celebrations. You may see the idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, and Goddess Durga being submerged in the Ganga on the first day. The immersion is carried out in a stately and joyous manner.

Every evening, the idols are cleaned with the sacred waters of the Ganga and brought home. Beautifully decorated pandals are where you can see celebrities paying opulent gifts to the idols of Goddess Durga during her visits.

Also Read:- Most Famous Festivals of India to Celebrate with Friends and Family

4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

A portion of India observes the holiday in remembrance of good triumphing over evil. Children dressed as Hanuman, Sita, Lakshman, and Lord Ram may be seen. There are several drama classes, also referred to as Ramleela. A hay Raavan construction is burned at the end of the evening to symbolize the idea that “good triumphs over evil.” A huge bazaar is set up, where pandals sell a wide variety of delectable snacks and drinks. 

5. Delhi

Delhi observes the Durga Puja celebration to commemorate the triumph of Lord Ram. There are several plays about Lord Ram’s victory. During the festivity, small children were costumed as religious characters. A massive Raavana building is burned at the conclusion of the celebration to symbolize the triumph of destruction over sin.

Ramleela Maidan, one of the greatest locations to visit throughout a Puja vacation in Delhi, is where a gigantic Raavana structure is destroyed after a magnificent dance and dramatization of the Ramayan story. Many magnificent puja pandals have been constructed, where devotees venerate the images of Goddess Durga. It provides the city with a range of food stalls and exhibitions.

6. Guwahati, Assam

The celebration in Guwahati lasts for ten days, starting on the new moon day. The idol of Durga is revered at this time. It’s elevated to a whole new level by the pandal decorations and massive fairs and shows. Latasil Durga Puja should definitely be done if you intend to travel to Assam during the festival! With its enormous idols of Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesha, it’s one of the oldest pandals in the city. 

Also Read:- 07 Must Visit Popular Durga Temples in India

7. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Durga Puja is observed in Kullu to commemorate Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana. It is one of Kullu’s largest events. In this region of Himachal, festivals are observed for an extended period of time. The Dhalpir Maidan is one of the greatest locations to visit during Durga Puja in Kullu. Because of its celebrations, it is popular among the residents. Several gods are paraded and on show in front of the god Raghunath Ji. On this day, Dhauladars flame the gorgeous mashaals.

8. Pune, Maharashtra

The Hindu religion’s most significant cultural and religious celebration is Durga Pooja. During the event, a number of traditions are observed in Pune. Fireworks accompany a big parade that comes behind it. Durga statues are crafted by people and embellished with fruits, leaves, and flowers. 

While there are other Durga Puja Pandals throughout the city, Congress Bhavan Durga Puja is the ideal location to visit whilst in Pune for your puja vacation. It’s among the city’s oldest pandals for Durga Puja.

9. South India

The celebration of Durga Puja is distinct in South India. This secular celebration of knowledge and education is called Vidya Aarambham, which translates to “the beginning of education.” Pooja vaipuu is a well-known practice in South India when people present books and common utensils to Goddess Saraswati and offer roasted grain and jaggery as bhog.

In South India, you might not see many pandals, but you might encounter a collection of dolls that cascades down the stairs. These dolls are little idols of goddesses from mythology, such as Laxmi, Durga, and Saraswati.

10. Hyderabad, Telangana

Hyderabad’s Durga Puja was started in 2007 by the Cyberabad Bengali Association. Hyderabadis then joyfully celebrate Durga Puja shortly after. With pandals and a plethora of cuisine festivals and exhibitions, the city is exquisitely decked.