In ‘Chittaranjan Park’, New Delhi, Durga Puja comes alive with families in festive attire, dhol beats echoing, and the aroma of delicious Bengali food, creating a vibrant celebration of community, says Sakshi Priya
As the festive days of Durga Puja come to an end, we celebrate Vijaya Dashami with love and gratitude. Today, we say goodbye to Maa Durga until next year, thanking her for the blessings and protection she has showered upon us. On this special day, may you and your loved ones be blessed with joy, peace, and happiness. Shubho Bijoya Dashami to everyone!
In C.R. Park, located in South East Delhi, Durga Puja isn’t just another festival - it’s an emotion. Often called the mini Kolkata of Delhi, this bustling neighbourhood truly becomes the heart of the city during these days. Families eagerly wait the whole year for this, preparing for pandal hopping, relishing Bengali delicacies and being part of the vibrant celebrations that make this time so special.
The Magic of Pandal Hopping
For many, Durga Puja is all about pandal hopping, going from one beautifully decorated pandal to another, admiring the stunning idols of Maa Durga. In C.R. Park, the streets come alive with people of all ages, dressed in their finest traditional clothes. The women in sarees, the men in kurtas and kids running around in excitement, it’s a sight that fills your heart with joy.
You can start your pandal journey at the Kali Mandir, where the peaceful surroundings set the mood for the rest of the day. Then comes the grand Durgotsab in GK II, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. From stunning decorations to cultural performances, the spirit of Durga Puja is alive and thriving here. Another must-visit spot is the Mela Ground, where families gather to enjoy not just the festivities but also the wide variety of food stalls that line the streets.
Children dart between pandals, holding their parents’ hands, their faces lighting up with every new sight. The sound of dhols echoes through the air, and in the evenings, the Sandhya Aarti becomes a beautiful and calming experience for everyone watching. The streets of C.R. Park transforms into a magical world, full of lights, music and devotion, and no matter how many pandals you visit, the excitement never dies down.
A Feast for All
No Durga Puja is complete without indulging in the food. The food stalls lining the streets and pandals in C.R. Park offer everything from traditional Bengali dishes to popular street food that everyone loves. You can try the famous Kolkata-style Puchka that bursts with flavour or enjoy classic rolls stuffed with spicy chicken or mutton.
For those who love fish, Bhetki Paturi - fish marinated in mustard and wrapped in banana leaves is a must-try. Fish Kebab and Chicken Shami Kebab are equally popular among non-vegetarians, while vegetarians can indulge in dishes like Hara Bhara Kebab or Channar Paturi (paneer wrapped in banana leaves). And for the main course, Golbarir Murgi and Dhakai Mangsho (mutton curry) and Aloo Dum served with soft luchis are pure bliss.
The joy of Durga Puja isn’t just in the rituals but also in sharing these meals with family and friends. Sitting down at a table with loved ones, eating delicious food and laughing together under the twinkling lights is a memory that stays in your heart long after the festival is over.
The Streets Come Alive
The streets of C.R. Park become a celebration in themselves. It’s not just about the pandals - it's the whole neighbourhood that transforms. The lanes are filled with people walking from one pandal to another and families taking pictures to capture the beautiful moments. The colourful lights strung across buildings, the sound of Rabindra Sangeet floating through the air and the laughter of people enjoying the festival all come together to create a magical atmosphere.
Even if you’re not Bengali, it’s hard not to get swept up in the energy of Durga Puja in C.R. Park. People from all over Delhi come here to experience the festival and there’s a sense of community that goes beyond language and culture. It’s a time when everyone comes together to celebrate the victory of good over evil, the triumph of light over darkness.
The Cultural Celebrations
One of the most beautiful things about Durga Puja is how it brings people together to celebrate not just the goddess, but also the rich cultural heritage of Bengal. During the festival, the pandals host a variety of performances, from Purulia Chou to traditional Bengali folk music. These performances are not just entertaining, they’re a way to connect with our roots and pass on our traditions to the next generation.
Whether you’re watching a soulful song performance or enjoying a dance recital, there’s something about the atmosphere during Durga Puja that makes everything feel a little more special. The connection between the audience and the performers, the shared love for the culture and the joy of being part of something bigger than yourself, it’s all part of what makes Durga Puja so meaningful.
The Blessings of Sandhya Aarti
As the sun begins to set, one of the most special moments of Durga Puja takes place, the Sandhya Aarti. The rhythmic beating of the drums, the chanting of mantras and the sight of people gathered in devotion create a moment of pure peace. It’s a time when everyone pauses to reflect and give thanks to Maa Durga.
The aarti fills the air with a sense of calm and the glow of the lamps as they’re lit adds to the sacredness of the moment. It’s in these quiet moments that you feel the true spirit of Durga Puja, the blessings of the goddess, the love of family and friends and the joy of being part of something so special.
Saying Goodbye on Bijoya Dashami
As the festival comes to an end, there’s a bittersweet feeling in the air. It’s time to say goodbye to Maa Durga as she returns to her heavenly home. The day is marked with rituals like Sindur Khela, where married women apply vermillion to each other, symbolising the strength and joy of womanhood.
Then comes the Bijoy Yatra, the immersion procession, where the idols of Maa Durga are carried to the river or pond for their final journey. In C.R. Park, this procession is a deeply emotional experience. People gather to bid farewell, throwing flowers into the water and praying for the goddess’s return next year.
Though there are tears as we say goodbye, there’s also a sense of hope. We know that this isn’t a permanent goodbye. Maa Durga will return next year, bringing with her the same joy and blessings. And until then, the memories of this Durga Puja will keep our hearts full.
Until Next Year...
As we celebrate the last day of Durga Puja and look forward to the coming year, let’s carry the love, joy and blessings of the festival with us. The laughter, the shared meals, the excitement of pandal hopping, and the spiritual peace of the Sandhya Aarti - these moments are what make Durga Puja so special.
So as we say goodbye to Maa Durga on this Bijoya Dashami, let’s remember the joy of this festival and look forward to next year when we will once again gather with our loved ones to celebrate. Until then, may Maa Durga’s blessings be with you and your family, bringing peace and happiness to your lives.
Shubho Bijoya Dashami, Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra to all!
