Historic structures, mouthwatering cuisine, temples to visit, and rich culture are synonymous with Kolkata. The city celebrates all festivals with great enthusiasm, but Durga Pujo is something that just stands out.

You must know that Durag Pujo is celebrated only on the final four days of Navratri – Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami. The days are undoubtedly commemorated with great zeal and vigour because it is the most well-known holiday in the area. The city of Kolkata becomes a fair thanks to elaborate pandals with various themes, imposing Durga idols, stunning lighting, and other features.

The following considerations must be made if you intend to visit Kolkata during Durga Pujo:

Do’s:

If you are looking for famous temples to visit in Kolkata during this Durga Pujo, it is important to take care of some vital points before and while visiting them. Let us learn the Do’s and Don’ts of travelling to Kolkata this Durga Pujo!

1. Book Flight Tickets in Advance

Firstly, make sure to reserve your flights well in advance of your trip. Before and during Durga Pujo, airfares to Kolkata are significantly more expensive than usual. So if you do not go for a pre-booking, it may cost you higher.

2. Take Part in Sindur Khela And Bhashan

In Kolkata, on Dashami, the festival’s last day, people enjoy and play with sindur at the pandals. This ritual is extremely popular and is known as Shidur Khela. Then, people dance to the beats of dhak along with dhunuchi in their hands. And at last, the bhasan, also known as the immersion ceremony, takes place when the entire city gives farewell to Durga Ma, and a grand ceremony occurs at Baghbazar Ganga Ghat.

3. Settle in Heritage Homes

One of the best ways to get mixed into the festival’s vibe is by staying in a heritage home. The locals will treat you with the best Bengali hospitality and serve delicious authentic Bengali food. Also, you can enjoy the homely style celebration of Durga Pujo in these heritage homes.

4. Wear Ethnic

The five core days of Durga Pujo are Sasti, Saptami, Ashtami, Nabami and Dashmi. The people in Kolkata wear new clothes and participate in Durga Pujo. Wearing western attire is feasible for four days, but on Ashtami, the entire city’s dress code is ethnic on Ashtami. So, especially carry ethnic wear for Ashtami when you are planning to spend Navratri in Kolkata.

Don’ts

1. Do Not Wear Uncomfortable Clothes

Although you might be excited to wear the latest fashion outfit for Durga Pujo pandal hopping, remember Kolkata is not very pleasant in October. It is not suggested to wear clothes that wick away moisture. Remember, comfort must go hand in hand with fashion.

2. Don’t Put on Uncomfortable Footwear

Pandal hopping during the times of Durga Pujo involves a lot of walking. To control the crowd, Kolkata Police barricades the roads, and mostly the cabs will drop you one kilometre away from the pandal. Also, you will find yourself waiting in long queues outside the pandals. Moreover, foot pain and swelling are frequent complaints experienced by tourists. Hence, try not to wear high heels, broken footwear or footwear with less grip and other uncomfortable footwear. Instead, wear sneakers because they protect your feet from dirt and grime.

3. Avoid Carrying Too Many Belongings

When you are visiting, Pandals don’t carry too many belongings. Because in the end, you will be tired by taking care of them in the massive crowds. It’s very common to take photos of Pujo Pandals, but be careful not to become too occupied with your camera. Avoid standing in one place for a long to take selfies; instead, keep moving in the flow to make space for other people to encompass the pandal area safely and hassle-free.

Conclusion

During the season of Navratri in Kolkata, numerous people travel to the city for Durga Pujo. Hotels and restaurants are constantly crowded during this season because of the massive influx of residents and tourists. There are many good family hotels and family resorts with super affordable amenities in the city. Some best family hotels in Kolkata are OYO 8148 Ecostay, OYO Collection O-78264 Westin Plaza Dankuni, and OYO Townhouse 75779 The Royal Retreat. They are budget-friendly hotels that provide the most comfortable stay. So, plan well and enjoy Durga Pujo in its authentic form!