Bus tours to art previews to self-guided tours — options to enjoy Durga Puja in Kolkata
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IBNS: The annual autumn festival, Durga Puja, as celebrated in Kolkata, is known for its art and cultural extravaganza. Its inclusion in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, in 2021, has now catapulted it to global fame.
While pandal-hopping (the temporary pavilion holding the idols is locally known as pandal) across the city is a favourite pastime during the festival, those visiting Kolkata during this time may find it a bit daunting. This is also the time when traffic movement can be chaotic. Therefore, the package tours on offer from West Bengal Tourism and other private travel agents may be a welcome option.
West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited (WBTDCL), a nodal agency under the state’s tourism department, will be holding several package tours by day and night for visitors to catch a glimpse of some of the popular neighbourhood pujas as well as old traditional houses (‘bonedi bari’) across Kolkata and the neighbouring district of Hooghly.
Image credit: Tanuj Adhikary/Unsplash
Durga Puja tours by WBTDCL
Udbodhani
The tours will commence from Rabindra Sadan at 10 pm and conclude at the same place at 5am next day.
This approximately seven hour tour by air-conditioned bus will cover some of the popular neighbourhood pujas of central and south Kolkata (College Square, Md Ali Park, Kashi Bose Lane, Badamtola Ashar Sangha, 66 Pally, Mudiali Club, Shiv Mandir, Ekdalia Evergreen, Singhi Park, Hindustan Road, Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha).
Tour dates: October 17 and 18, 2023.
Package rates: Rs 2099 per head (inclusive of packed dinner)
Sanatani
The tours will commence from Rabindra Sadan at 8am and conclude at the same place at 12.30pm.
