Deshapriya Park Sarbojanin Durgotsav

Brief History of Deshapriya Park Sarbojanin Durgotsav:

• Establishment & Age: Deshapriya Park Sarbojanin Durgotsav started in 1938, making 2025 its 87th year of celebration. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious pujas in South Kolkata. This puja is organised by Deshapriya Park Durgotsab Samity.
• Location: 34A, Manoharpukur Road, Deshapriya Park, Kolkata- 700 029, near Rash Behari Avenue, South Kolkata.

Themes:

• Deshapriya Park is renowned for its innovative and record-breaking themes.
• In 2015, it gained international recognition for unveiling the world’s tallest Durga idol, standing at 88 feet high, crafted using fiberglass and cement. This idol entered various record books including Limca, Indian, and Asian books of records.
• Other memorable themes include:
  • 2016: The idol with 1000 hands to slay 100 demons.
  • 2017: Inspired by the Mahishmati palace from the film Baahubali.
  • 2023: Focused on the theme “Jyoti”.
  • 2024: The theme was “Bhubaneswari”.
  • 2025: Set to revisit the grandeur of the “Boro Durga” (Giant Durga idol) spectacle.

USP:

• Record-breaking grandeur: The towering idols and mega-budget pandals have made Deshapriya Park a paradigm of spectacle and devotion.
• Artistic excellence: The sculptor Mintu Pal and his team have been pivotal in creating compelling idols that balance height with traditional aesthetics and religious appeal.
• Massive crowds and media attention: It attracts millions of visitors every year, including celebrities and has been widely covered on social media and news.
• Cultural significance: Deshapriya Park is a key cultural and religious hub and was part of the UNESCO recognition for Kolkata’s Durga Puja as an intangible cultural heritage.

Additional Notes:

• In 2015, a stampede at the pandal caused injuries due to the massive crowd, highlighting the immense popularity and the need for crowd management.
• There have been proposals to permanently preserve the iconic idol in public venues like Rabindra Sarobar or Eco Park.
• The festival lasts typically for 10 days, with major celebrations and pandal visits occurring between the 6th and 9th days of Navaratri.

In summary:

Deshapriya Park Sarbojanin Durgotsav, established in 1938 and now an 87-year-old tradition, is famed for grand-scale, record-breaking idols like the world’s tallest Durga in 2015. It blends innovation with devotion, drawing millions to South Kolkata annually, making it one of the most iconic and unmissable pujas in Kolkata’s cultural calendar.