Delhi’s Mini Kolkata: Inside CR Park’s Spectacular Durga Puja Celebrations

Every autumn, when the beat of the dhak echoes through the air and the delicate fragrance of shiuli blossoms drifts across the lanes, South Delhi’s Chittaranjan Park (CR Park) undergoes a magical transformation. Fondly called “Mini Kolkata,” this neighbourhood is where nostalgia, devotion, and adda collide in a spectacular five-day festival. If you can’t make it to the City of Joy for Durga Puja, CR Park is where you’ll find the next best thing—vibrant pandals, dazzling idols, cultural programmes, and streets lined with Kolkata-style food stalls that tempt every passer-by.This year, the celebrations are extra special. Three of CR Park’s most iconic pujas, Cooperative Ground, B Block, and Mela Ground, are celebrating their golden jubilee, making 2025 a landmark year for the community. With grand themes, glittering lights, and the promise of cultural performances, this Pujo season is all set to be remembered for years to come.Pandal Perfection EverywhereAsk anyone in CR Park and they’ll tell you that the artistry of the pandals is half the joy of Pujo. Each committee spends months planning, sketching, and bringing to life themes that capture Bengal’s heritage and imagination. Cooperative Ground Durga Puja is reimagining the golden Sonar Qila of Jaisalmer, made famous by Satyajit Ray’s classic Sonar Kella. At B Block, the theme is Mother Earth, with the entire pandal crafted in earthy hues, lit up by an awe-inspiring 50,000 diyas, and complemented by Chandannagar’s famed illumination. Meanwhile, Mela Ground—the biggest of them all—is recreating the grandeur of Mahishadal Rajbari, a 16th-century palace from East Medinipur.Beyond these grand spectacles, other pujas hold their own charm. Navapalli Durga Puja in Pocket 40 is turning back time with a nostalgic theme inspired by traditional Bengali weddings—complete with a bridal avatar of the goddess draped in a red Banarasi. At Kali Bari, the focus remains staunchly traditional and spiritual, offering an unthemed but deeply authentic experience. And then there’s D Block, celebrating its 29th year, where meticulous planning, months of community meetings, and collective enthusiasm culminate in a vibrant festival that feels like home.A Feast For AllIf Durga Puja is half about devotion, the other half is undoubtedly food. The bylanes of CR Park transform into a gastronomic carnival, with stalls dishing out everything from puchkas at Raju Chaat in Market 1 to crisp fish cutlets at Dadu in Market 2. Bhog, the sacred community feast, is another highlight. Served every afternoon between 1 PM and 2 PM, it brings together devotees and visitors over plates of khichuri, labra, chutney, and payesh—humble yet soul-satisfying.The Anondo Mela, a food festival that runs during Panchami and Shashthi, is where the puja spirit meets foodie heaven. Think rolls, Mughlai parathas, mishti doi, and Kolkata biryani—all sold at stalls that stay crowded from early evening till nightfall. From market joints like Rolls N Roast to pop-up stalls selling ghugni and kulhad chai, the variety is staggering. As Anirudha Deb, a member of the D-Block Puja Committee put it, “Food will be the least of your concerns at CR Park—wherever you go, you’ll find something irresistible.”When To GoTiming is everything when it comes to pandal-hopping. The grand unveiling of idols usually begins on Panchami or Shashthi, but the real buzz sets in after Shashthi evening, when the lights come on and the crowds pour in. If you’d rather avoid the chaos, mornings are ideal, perfect for quietly admiring the idols and decorations. Evenings, though, are when CR Park truly shines: Sandhya Aarti fills the air with chants and rhythmic dhunuchi dances, cultural programmes kick off, and the food stalls are at their busiest.Each evening, stages across pandals host music, dance, and theatre performances, ranging from Rabindra Sangeet to Bollywood concerts. This year, Kunal Ganjawala has already performed at K Block, and more local and visiting artists are lined up. On Vijay Dashami, the immersion ceremony at Pocket 52 is worth watching for its eco-friendly rituals and bittersweet farewell to the goddess.For those planning their trip, the most convenient metro stations are Nehru Place on the Violet Line and Greater Kailash on the Magenta Line. From there, an auto or e-rickshaw will whisk you into the heart of CR Park in minutes. Do note that from Shashthi evening onwards, traffic restrictions kick in—so ditch the car, wear comfortable shoes, and be ready to walk.The Spirit Of PujoWhat truly sets CR Park apart is not just the scale of its pandals but the spirit of community that ties it all together. “Every event is meticulously planned months in advance,” says Deb. “Despite the massive crowds, every programme is executed smoothly. Bhog is served to everyone without exception—there’s no hierarchy here. The inclusiveness is what makes it special.”For probashi Bengalis (those living outside Bengal), the festival is both a homecoming and a reconnection. For others, it’s an initiation into a cultural extravaganza where faith, food, and festivity intermingle seamlessly. Walking through the crowded lanes of CR Park during Durga Puja is like stepping into a living postcard of Bengal—complete with the rhythms of dhaak, the glow of diyas, and the comfort of familiar flavours.Whether you’re a devotee, a culture seeker, or a foodie in search of Kolkata’s magic in Delhi, CR Park during Durga Puja has something for you. And in this golden jubilee year, it promises to be more dazzling, more nostalgic, and more unforgettable than ever before.FAQs1. When is CR Park Durga Puja?Five days from Panchami/Shashthi to Vijay Dashami.2. Which pandals should I visit?Cooperative Ground, B Block, Mela Ground, D Block, Navapalli, Kali Bari, Pocket 52, and K Block.3. What are the themes this year?Sonar Qila, Mother Earth, Mahishadal Rajbari, Bengali weddings, and traditional spiritual experience.4. Where to eat?Street food, bhog, Anondo Mela—Raju Chaat, Dadu, Rolls N Roast, mishti doi, Kolkata biryani.5. Best time to visit?Mornings for calm, evenings for lights, Sandhya Aarti, and cultural shows.6. How to reach CR Park?Nearest metros: Nehru Place (Violet) and Greater Kailash (Magenta). Autos/e-rickshaws recommended.7. Are there performances?Yes, music, dance, and theatre daily; Bollywood and Rabindra Sangeet included.8. Is it inclusive?Yes, bhog is served to all; programs run smoothly for large crowds.Here’s Where To Find The Best Bengali Food In CR Park