Durga Puja 2025: Chittaranjan Park Durga Pandal Inspired by Satyajit Ray’s ‘Sonar Kella’

New Delhi | September 30, 2025 : The capital’s Chittaranjan Park (CR Park), often regarded as the cultural hub of Bengalis in Delhi, has once again captured the imagination of devotees and visitors with its unique theme for Durga Puja 2025. This year, the CR Park Durga Puja Committee has unveiled a pandal inspired by Satyajit Ray’s celebrated film Sonar Kella, bringing the grandeur of Jaisalmer’s golden fort to the heart of New Delhi.

The elaborate design coincides with the committee’s 50th anniversary of constructing large-scale pandals, making the celebration doubly significant. Themed decorations at Durga Puja pandals are a long-standing tradition in CR Park, but this year’s cinematic tribute has drawn particular admiration.

A Cinematic Tribute to Jaisalmer

For its pandal in K-Block, the committee recreated the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, complete with golden-hued sandstone walls and architectural features reminiscent of Jain temples. Visitors entering the pandal are greeted by intricate carvings and detailed artistry that capture both the spirit of Rajasthan and the cinematic brilliance of Ray’s Sonar Kella. Inside, a grand idol of Goddess Durga, flanked by her children including Lord Ganesha, has become the centerpiece of devotion and awe.

Hundreds of devotees and art lovers have thronged the site since its unveiling, many pausing to take photographs of the elaborate structure. The committee’s efforts to merge art, culture, and spirituality have made the pandal one of the most talked-about attractions of this year’s Durga Puja in Delhi.

Voices from the Committee

Committee president Sumit Majumdar expressed pride in the achievement, noting that the celebration holds deep meaning this year. “We continue our festivities until Navami, and on Dashami we immerse Maa Durga in our grounds. This year is especially significant as it marks our 50th anniversary of constructing large-scale pandals. Our theme-based pandal takes inspiration from Satyajit Ray’s Sonar Kella, and the golden fort design has already mesmerised countless devotees,” he said.

Majumdar added that the committee has always sought to blend cultural themes with tradition, ensuring that the pandals are both spiritually uplifting and artistically remarkable.

Neighbouring Celebrations

The festive mood in CR Park is further enhanced by other committees marking milestones of their own. The B-Block Durga Puja Samiti, also celebrating its 50th year, has introduced a unique “Mitti” or soil-themed pandal. Symbolising Mother Earth, the pandal highlights the importance of nature and sustainability while maintaining the spiritual essence of Durga Puja.

Significance of Durga Puja

Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Sharodotsava, remains one of Hinduism’s most important festivals. It celebrates Goddess Durga’s triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolising the victory of good over evil. According to mythology, the goddess descends to earth during this period to bless her devotees.

In 2025, the five-day festivities began on September 28 with Shashthi and will conclude on October 2 with Vijayadashami, when devotees bid farewell to Maa Durga through immersion ceremonies.

As CR Park marks both its rich legacy of pandal artistry and its homage to Satyajit Ray’s cinematic masterpiece, the celebrations this year stand out as a confluence of tradition, creativity, and cultural pride.