Forget Bengal, Witness the Grandest Durga Pooja Celebrations at These Destinations!

Bengal might have earned itself a name for its grand Durga Puja pandals and celebrations, but other places in India aren’t left too far behind. If you wish to catch Pujo celebrations in their festive glory, head to these cities across India.

Mumbai

Where: Balkanji Bari in Santacruz, Mumbai

What makes it special: Hosted by Bollywood’s Mukherji family, the event is star-studded. The family sheds their star status to serve the bhog and participate in the ceremonies.

Don’t to forget to eat: Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare at Durga pooja pandals are worth digging into. Binge eat here!

What else to do: Eat at Taj Mahal Tea House, spend some time gazing at the sea at Marine Drive, shop at Bandra’s Fashion Street and eat at Khan Galli in Ghatkopar.

Where to stay: Taj Santacruz, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Domestic Terminal), Off Western Express Highway.

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Read more: 7 Secret Places in Mumbai ​

Bengaluru

Where: Socio Cultural Association, Indiranagar

What makes it special: The performances, the food and the spectacular idol.

Don’t to forget to eat: Luchi Mangsho and Kobiraji cutlet

What else to do: Visit Bangalore Palace, Cubbon Park and Innovative Film City.  Guzzle some beer at the popular breweries, and go sit in the lap of nature at Ulsoor Lake.

Where to stay: Fab Hotel, Oakwoods Serai

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Pune

Where: Nandonik, Koregaon Park Durga Puja

What makes it special: The expansive bhog menu and the cultural performances.

Don’t to forget to eat: The nabami bhog.

What else to do: Pune is known for its chilled attitude and eateries. Visit Dagadusheth Ganapati Temple, Aga Khan Palace, Mulshi Dam, and Malshej Ghat.

Where to stay: Hyatt Pune

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Hyderabad

Where: Hyderabad Bengali Samity, Domalguda

What makes it special: The puja has been taking place since 1942, and has a lot of history and heritage imbibed in its celebrations.

Don’t to forget to eat: Rolls, cutlets and other offerings at the food stalls.

What else to do: Visit the Ramoji Film City for some filmy fun, and the Golconda Fort for a dose of history. A boat ride on Hussain Sagar Lake is also recommended.

Where to stay: Radisson Hyderabad Hitec City

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Chennai

Where: Bengali Association, Besant Nagar

What makes it special: The charged environment, all-inclusive festivities and the fervour.

Don’t to forget to eat: The rolls, cutlets, delicacies at the food stalls, and the ashtami-nabami bhog.

What else to do: Go to the Marina Beach, the Huddlestone Garden, shop for saris, and make a trip to Crocodile Bank.

Where to stay: Crescent Homes, Adyar

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Nagpur

Where: Dhantoli

What makes it special: Authentic and traditional, this is where you can witness Bengali customs of the festival up close.

Don’t to forget to eat: Famous for the food stalls, this venue offers everything you’d love—rolls, cutlets and Chinese food to name a few.

What else to do: You cannot miss Tadoba Andhari Tiger Project, the famous Deekshabhumi, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary and Ambazari Garden.

Where to stay: Hotel Hardeo

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New Delhi

Where: Arambagh Durga Puja Pandal

What makes it special: More than 25 years old, no expense is spared at this big-budget pandal in the city.

Don’t to forget to eat: Try Kobiraji, Mughlai porota and the rolls.

What else to do: Take a walk through history at Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, shop at Sarojini Nagar, and stop by Lodhi Gardens for a picnic.

Where to stay: Bloomrooms

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Read more: 7 Secret Places in Delhi

Lucknow

Where: Bengali Club & Youngmen’s Association, Shivaji Marg

What makes it special: This venue has been hosting Durga Puja for more than a hundred years, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose visited the place in 1938.

Don’t to forget to eat: The bhog served on ashtami and nabami.

What else to do: Go to Ambedkar Memorial Park, Bara & Chota Imambaras and Kukrail Forest Reserve. Don't forget to eat at Moti Mahal.

Where to stay: Golden Tulip Hotel

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