College Square Durga Puja

College Square Durga Puja is one of the most famous pujas in the Central Kolkata area. College Square Durga Puja is known for its grand pandal and decorative lighting. When it’s illuminated and its reflection seen on the water, the crowd loves it. Live Kumari puja is also held at this puja pandal.

College Square Durga Puja is a must-see Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata that is held at College Square Park, which is situated on the 1.5-mile-long College Street. This lakeside square, which was built in 1948, has a dreamlike appearance during the Durgotsav when the entire area is decorated and illuminated with lights.

• Establishment & Age: College Square Durga Puja was established in 1948. As of 2025, it is 77 years old.
• Location: The puja is celebrated at College Square, opposite the Calcutta University main campus, surrounded by historic educational institutions in the heart of Central Kolkata.

Themes:

• Iconic Lighting & Reflections: The most consistent “theme” for College Square is its dazzling illumination every year. The pandal is set beside a large lake, and the interplay of light reflecting off the water is a signature spectacle that draws massive crowds.
• Traditional & Artistic Idols: The puja traditionally features elaborate and beautifully crafted idols, with famed artisans like Ramesh Pal shaping the idol for decades up until 2000.
• Occasional Thematic Pandals: In some years, College Square has experimented with larger decor elements and interesting artistic backdrops, but the focus usually remains on tradition, grandeur, and lighting.

USP:

• Pandal Beside Lake: The main USP of this puja is its located beside a Lake and everyone wants to catch a glimpse of the marvellous reflection of the pandal in the lake, thus College Square Durga Puja always remains crowded
• Mesmerizing Lighting Shows: The entire lake and pandal are decked out in stunning lights, making night visits especially memorable. The reflected lights on the water create a magical ambiance that is unique among Kolkata’s many pujas.
• Adda & Food Stalls: College Square is a legendary spot for “adda” (social hangouts), with a huge number of food stalls and constant footfall of pandal hoppers, students, and families during the puja days.
• Idol Legacy: Known for its exquisite Durga idols crafted by master artisans, particularly the renowned Ramesh Pal who worked on the puja for over 50 years.
• Heritage Setting: The puja’s central location among Kolkata’s academic institutions makes it a cultural hub and a convergence point for people from all walks of life.

Additional Notes:

• Crowd-Puller: One of the largest and most visited Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, always featuring in lists of “must-see” pandals due to its charm and majesty.
• Community Engagement: The celebration is a mainstay of Kolkatan tradition, fusing ritual, spectacle, and community spirit in the historic heart of the city.

In summary:

College Square Durga Puja has become a symbol of traditional Kolkata festivity, famed for its spectacular lighting, beautiful idols, lakeside ambiance, and central role in city culture – a tradition that has captivated visitors since 1948. This puja was started with two objectives in mind – to promote peace and harmony among members of different faiths and to provide an opportunity for children to have fun.