In Kolkata, A Pre-Puja Exhibition Brings The Pandals Under One Roof

Every autumn, Kolkata becomes the stage for Bengal's biggest festival—Durga Puja. While rooted in tradition, Durga Puja in Kolkata has long evolved into a joyous celebration of art and collective spirit. In recognition of its scale and cultural richness, UNESCO inscribed it on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. At the festival's core are the 'pandals'—elaborate, temporary structures designed around imaginative themes, from mythology to modern social issues. Created through months of community-driven artistry, these installations and the idols turn the city into a massive open-air gallery. Before the festival officially begins, visitors can catch a glimpse of this incredible creativity at a special preview exhibition, offering early access to the most striking pandals.