Every September, Bengaluru transforms into a canvas of colors, devotion, and cultural storytelling as the city’s Bengali associations celebrate Durga Puja. This year, the celebrations go beyond rituals — pandals across the city have embraced unique themes, artistic experiments, and cultural fusions that bring Bengal’s heritage alive in Namma Bengaluru.
From clay idols inspired by ancient paintings to chessboard-themed pandals and women-led committees, here’s how the festival is unfolding across the city.
Here are 7 must-visit Durga Puja pandals in Bengaluru (2025 edition):
1️⃣ Canvas to Clay – Uttaran
Uttaran’s Manpho Te Mahotsav has turned Kalighat Patachitra paintings into a 3D clay idol, creating an artistic marvel. Their theme song Daakchhe Uttaran, composed by award-winning wheelchair warrior Sai Kaustuv Dashgupta, adds a moving cultural touch.
📍 Venue: Manpho Convention Centre, near Manyata Tech Park
2️⃣ Chitragana Fusion – BARSHA
The BARSHA Bengali Association celebrates Chitragana, a stunning mix of Chhau masks, Patachitra murals, Dollu Kunitha, and Yakshagana. With hints of Kantara, the pandal beautifully merges Bengal’s artistry with Karnataka’s folklore.
📍 Venue: BARSHA Durga Puja Ground, Off Sarjapura Road, HSR Next, Haralur
3️⃣ Checkmate with the Goddess – NBCS
The North Bangalore Cultural Samiti presents a chessboard-themed pandal called Checkmate. Maa Durga presides over 3D pawns, symbolising India’s global rise in chess while honouring strategy, resilience, and heritage.
📍 Venue: Maa Kali Mandir, 7th Cross Road, Nandini Layout, Bengaluru
4️⃣ Teachings of the Gita – Oikotan Hebbal
The Oikotan Hebbal Cultural Society brings spirituality to design. Their pandal resembles an open Bhagavad Gita, displaying the teachings of Sri Krishna in a visually powerful way.
📍 Venue: Ground near Green Country School, Byatarayanapura
5️⃣ Doshobhuja – Bongodhara
At Bongodhara Cultural Association, a 10-member all-women committee leads the puja. Their theme Doshobhuja (Ten Arms) celebrates women as professionals, caregivers, leaders, and creators, reflecting the spirit of empowerment.
📍 Venue: White Pearl Convention Centre, Belahalli Crossing
6️⃣ Alpona Revival – SBCA
The South Bangalore Cultural Association highlights Alpona, the intricate Bengali rangoli art now on the verge of extinction. Their theme revives this fading tradition with motifs once passed down by grandmothers.
📍 Venue: Shri Gavi Cave Temple, Pai Layout, Hulimavu
7️⃣ Andarmahal Nostalgia – BinB
Bengali in Bangalore (BinB) recreates the charm of Bengal’s Andarmahal with hand-painted Potochitra, Tagore’s poetry, calligraphy, and traditional décor. Crafted in Bankura, the pandal evokes the warmth of a Thakurdalan gathering in the heart of Bengaluru.
📍 Venue: Chandrodaya Convention Centre, Dairy Circle
🌆 The Spirit of Bengaluru
What makes Durga Puja here unique is how each pandal becomes more than a religious space — it is a cultural hub, bringing together people, traditions, and creativity. This year’s celebrations show how Bengaluru embraces diversity while celebrating unity.