Durga Puja of North 24 Parganas is home to several historic ancestral homes (Bonedi Baris) that open their doors during Durga Puja, offering a rare glimpse into a bygone era of zamindari grandeur.
Dhanyakuria's European Charms
A true hidden gem, the village of Dhanyakuria, near Haroa, is a fascinating anomaly. Here, opulent 19th-century mansions built by ambitious Bengali merchants in European architectural styles stand testament to their wealth and taste. During Durga Puja of North 24 Parganas, families like the Ballav Bari, Gayen Bari, Sahoo Bari light up their sprawling courtyards and traditional Thakur Dalans. The idols here are often crafted in an elegant, dignified style unique to these families, steeped in aristocratic heritage.
Some tour operators even offer organized “Puja Parikrama” trips to Dhanyakuria, allowing you to witness these magnificent household pujas.
Near about 50 KM from kolkata and taking 2-2:30 hour to reach by car.
The nearest railway station to Dhanyakuria is Kankra Mirzanagar, which is on the Sealdah – Basirhat line, Take local transportation like autos or rickshaws for your destination.
Barrackpore's Spirited Traditions
In Barrackpore, the Dasgupta Family’s 400-year-old Puja stands out. This ancestral celebration is historically unique for its Tantric leanings, with Devi traditionally offered liquor and non-vegetarian fare (though animal sacrifice ceased in 1996). The ekchala idol, with its distinctive tapta kanchan (orange-yellow) skin color and an unexpected African lion replica, tells a tale of centuries of unbroken tradition and family reunion.
Distance from kolkata is approximately 25 km and it’s a 1 hour drive.
Nearest railway station is Barrackpore. From Barrackpore railway station Toto or Auto Rikshaw can be hired for Kalianiwas, 17 no rail gate
Barasat's Progressive Legacy
The Chatterjee family Puja in Barasat (Shiber Kota), also 400 years old, champions a remarkably progressive outlook. Breaking conventional norms, this puja uniquely includes the worship of “Bidhoba Radha” (widow Radha) alongside Durga. Even more significantly, it encourages and allows widowed family members to actively participate in all rituals, including Devi Boron and Sindoor Khela, challenging societal restrictions and emphasizing inclusivity. This family also follows a nine-day North Indian tradition and immerses their idol before sunset on Dashami.
The puja is held at Dakshinpara Shiber Kota, Barasat, North 24-Parganas. It is often referred to as ‘Chatterjee Barir Pujo’ or ‘Dakshinpara Shiber Kota Chatterjee barir pujo’. Need to travel to Barasat town and then locate Dakshinpara Shiber Kota.
From Dumdum Airport its 10 KM and take around 45 minute to reach.
The Pulse of the Community: Barowari Brilliance
Beyond the aristocratic households, North 24 Parganas boasts a vibrant scene of Barowari (community) pujas. Towns like Barasat, Madhyamgram, Dum Dum, and Barrackpore feature numerous pandals that range from traditional and artistic to grand and thematic.
Barasat Association Club Durga Puja, Barasat
Nabajagarani Sangha Durga Puja, Barasat
4th Pally Sarbojanin Puja, Jessore Road
Pragati Sangha Durga Puja, Habra
Prantik Square Sarbojonin Durga Puja, Basirhat
Byampith Lake Terrace Durga Puja, Basirhat
Netaji Colony Sarbojanin Durga Puja, Baranagar
Mala Para Durga Puja, Authpur
Dakshin Pally Sarbojonin Durga Puja, Sodepur
ITI More Durga Puja, Kalyani
Bharat Chakra Durga Puja, Dum Dum Park
Sreebhumi Sporting Club, Sreebhumi
A Culinary Journey
No Durga Puja is complete without a feast! In Durga Puja of North 24 Parganas, you’ll find a wide array of culinary delights. From the traditional bhog offered at Bonedi Baris and community pandals (typically a vegetarian spread of khichuri, labra, bhaja, and sweets) to temporary food stalls selling various Bengali snacks, rolls, and street food, your taste buds are in for a treat. Local eateries will also be brimming with festive menus, offering a chance to savor authentic Bengali cuisine.
Planning Your Puja Stay in North 24 Parganas
To truly appreciate the diverse Puja experiences across Durga Puja of North 24 Parganas, planning your accommodation thoughtfully is key. The district offers options ranging from budget-friendly lodges to comfortable hotels. Given the festive rush, booking your stay well in advance is highly recommended
Barrackpore & Kalyani Area (for historical sites & industrial towns)
Ivy Hotel & Restaurant, Orchid Hotel & Restaurant : These offer comfortable stays in the Barrackpore belt, providing access to the Dasgupta Puja and other local attractions.
In Kalyani, you’ll find local hotels and guesthouses catering to industrial and educational visitors.
Kanchrapara / Halisahar / Naihati (for riverside charm & transport hubs):
Hotel Mahal, Utwo Hotel (OYO), Hotel Skylarke: These are options around the Kanchrapara area, convenient for railway connectivity.
River Breeze Hotels and Resorts, Sitaram Lodge: Options in Naihati, often offering views of the Hooghly River.
Taki Area (for borderland unique experiences):
If you plan to visit Taki for its Ichamati River views and old zamindar baris, consider Tilottama Guest House, Hotel Mangrove INN, Shantinektan Guest House, Bidhan Saikat Atithisala 2 These offer a more serene, rustic experience, often with river views.
Barasat & Dum Dum (for urban connectivity & popular pujas):
While many consider these part of “Greater Kolkata,” they fall within North 24 Parganas. They have numerous hotels, guest houses, and OYO properties catering to commuters and travelers, providing excellent connectivity to Kolkata and other parts of the district.
Tips for Pandal Hopping & Getting Around at Durga Puja of North 24 Parganas
Transportation
North 24 Parganas is extremely well-connected to Kolkata by the suburban railway network (Sealdah lines serving Dum Dum, Barrackpore, Barasat, Habra, etc.) and major roads (Jessore Road, Barrackpore Trunk Road). Local auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and hired cabs are plentiful for inter-town travel.
Strategic Planning at Durga Puja of North 24 Parganas
The district is vast. Focus your pandal hopping on specific clusters – for instance, dedicate
Day 1 to Barrackpore-Titagarh,
Day 2 for Barasat-Madhyamgram, and
Day 3 a separate trip for the heritage tours to Dhanyakuria.
Comfort is Key
When you are out for Durga Puja of North 24 Parganas then Be prepared for crowds, especially around popular pandals. Wear comfortable footwear, stay hydrated, and use public transport to avoid traffic woes.
A visit to Durga Puja of North 24 Parganas offers a truly enriching experience, allowing you to delve deeper into Bengal’s cultural heart, witness diverse traditions, and create memories that resonate with both grandeur and grounded authenticity.