There is magic in the air as Pujo season begins: the beats of the dhaak, the waft of incense, the aroma of bhog and cotton-white clouds in the sky. This year, Maa Durga arrives in strikingly different avatars across Bengaluru — from an Egyptian-inspired pandal to a Hampi-themed mandap and idols rooted in traditional Bengali artistry. Beginning October 16, the city comes alive with rituals, music, food, festive cheer and performances rooted in Karnataka’s folk culture. Here are eight celebrations to add to your weekend plans.
Oikotan Durga Puja: Egyptian mystery meets the Divine Mother
Where: EBISU Convention Center, Hegde Nagar Main Road, Chokkanahalli, Jakkur When: Opens October 16Theme: In its 14th year, Oikotan links Egyptian history with the symbolism of the Divine Mother through Mishor Mohamaya (Egyptian mystery). Egyptian-inspired décor will draw parallels between the civilisation’s reverence for the feminine divine and Durga’s associations with strength, motherhood and the triumph of good over evil. “We are celebrating this universal connection where two great cultures separated by time and geography are finally uniting under the reverence of Mother Goddess,” says association member Subhradeep Bhowmik.Don’t miss:
- Folk band Dohar (Saptami), Oxygen (Sunday), Rahul Dutta (Ashtami) and Lopamudra Mitra (Navami finale)
- Bhog over four days
- Quizzes, Antakshari and children’s drawing competitions
Bengaluru Durga Puja Committee: Bengal meets Karnataka
Where: Gate 6, Palace Grounds, The Grand Castle, JayamahalWhen: Opens October 16Theme: A Hampi-inspired temple backdrop and elaborate lighting frame the traditional Durga idol, recreating Karnataka’s temple architecture. “We want to showcase the confluence of Bengal and Kannadiga culture,” says convenor Achinta Lal Ray. Don’t miss:
- Daily performances by Sundarbans Baul artists, Chau dancers, Kannadiga performers and five female dhakis
- A food court and a flea market, each with 30–40 stalls
North Bangalore Cultural Samiti: A hundred-petal lotus
Where: Sadumatadha Sadara Vidyabhivrudhi Sangha, When: Opens October 16Theme: Marking its 49th year, the Samiti’s theme is Shotodol, a hundred-petal lotus symbolising purity, harmony and spiritual awakening. Started in 1977, the Puja has kept its close-knit, family-oriented character even as the city’s celebrations have grown, says organising committee member Smita Lahiri. She adds, “The lotus, a symbol of purity, harmony and spiritual awakening, also represents the coming together of people across generations.”Don’t miss:
- Opening programme Padmapurna Agomoni, followed by Ananda Mela
- Free bhog
- Dance, music, dance drama, a Yakshagana performance and a band from Kolkata
- Children’s competitions and a photography contest
BARSHA Mahapujo: Under a mother’s anchal
Where: South Avenue Grounds, 1/7, NICE Toll Gate, Behind Electronic City Metro StationWhen: Opens October 16Theme: Anchal celebrates a mother’s shelter and protection. Flowing drapes, handmade mother-and-child motifs, chandeliers and portraits shape a palace-like pandal centred on a Durga idol conceptualised in Kumartuli, Kolkata, and prepared over a month. The theme also reflects the bond between Bengal, many visitors’ ancestral home, and Bengaluru, their present one. “It speaks about the universal feeling of protection, belonging and home,” says joint secretary Priyanka Sinha Roy.Don’t miss:
- 30+ food stalls and 25 flea, lifestyle and brand stalls
- Evening performances
- Dhunuchi Naach and its competition
- Sindur Khela, puja rituals and morning programmes
Green Glen Layout Cultural Association: The earthly divine
Where: Sobha Lakeview Clubhouse, BellandurWhen: Opens October 16Theme: For its 10th year, Anandotsab – Bellandur Durga Puja presents Mrinmayi Abhaya – Worshipping the Earthly Divine. Instead of slaying Mahishasura, the idol shows him surrendering at her feet as the goddess forgives him, a message of inner transformation, peace and harmony. The pandal is decorated with sustainable materials such as bamboo and earthen cups and plates. “We wish to spread a message of collective healing amid global conflict and chaos,” says secretary Tathagata Sengupta.Don’t miss:
- Indian Idol Season 15 finalist Mayuri Saha, Jimut Roy and Dhunuchi Naach on October 18
- Catch vocalist Shringar and his troupe on October 19
- Sindur Khela perform on October 21
- Children’s competitions and the association’s Bengali theme song, Mrinmayi Abhaya
Purba Bangalore Cultural Association: Puja, the traditional way
Where: KTPO Ground, WhitefieldWhen: Opens October 16Theme: In its 23rd year, the association is sticking to a traditional Bengali Puja, with the emphasis on customs and participation rather than a themed pandal. It expects around 2.5 lakh visitors over five days, with 34 food stalls and about 30 commercial stalls. “The uniqueness is that old flavour of doing Durga Pujo where everybody is welcomed. That community feeling is what you will get if you come to this Puja,” says association member Avik Das.Don’t miss:
- DJ night and Dandiya on October 16
- Performances by Albert Kabo, Ashwita Core and In Sync, Oxygen on the Rocks and singer Poushali
- Free bhog on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami
- Dhunuchi Naach and Sindur Khela (October 21), with priority for elderly and pregnant visitors
- Performances by children and adults
HoH Anondodhara Bengali Association: Keeping the Puja traditional
Where: Near Queens Gate, House of Hiranandani, Akshayanagar, BegurWhen: Opens October 16Theme: Now in its fourth year, this community-led Puja features a traditional sabeki Durga idol inspired by Kolkata’s Bagbazar Sarbojanin style, dressed in attire sourced from Krishnanagar, West Bengal. A handcrafted backdrop and jute-thread decorations complete the pandal. “For us, the pujo is the first thing. There might be cultural programmes and a flea market, but the pujo should look like a pujo. It should not lose its flavour,” says association president Dr Indranil Sinha.Don’t miss:
- A choreographed Dhunuchi Naach by about 40 residents, followed by an open-floor session
- Samarth Desai (October 19) and rock band Corals (final evening)
- Food and flea-market stalls
- Bhog on three days: khichuri on Saptami and Ashtami, pulao and paneer on Navami
Jayamahal Cultural Association: A classic Bengali Puja
Where: Ladies Club premises, Jayamahal ExtensionWhen: Opens October 16Theme: In its 72nd year, the association celebrates Sabekiyana, a traditional Bengali style inspired by village festivities. The Durga idol will have an earthy clay finish, a simple Bengali sari, gold jewellery and a crown. Bengaluru-based artist Sumir Pal is creating paintings inspired by Sabekiyana and Kalighat pattachitra. “Our Maa Durga is going to be very simple, the way people celebrate in villages. That’s how we have depicted our Maa Durga this time,” says association member Dr Sharmistha Dutta.Don’t miss:
- Dollu Kunitha artists from Pandavapura, near Mandya
- A fashion show, a Dhunuchi Naach competition and the Anando Mela
- Bengaluru-based Bengali band Achin Pakhi
- Morning puja and Pushpanjali, followed by daily 1pm bhog with a different menu each day
