How Delhi's Durga Puja Samities and Local Markets Transform the Capital for Pujo

As autumn arrives in Delhi, the capital transforms into a vibrant celebration of Bengali culture and tradition. Durga Puja, the most significant festival for the Bengali diaspora, sees the city's various samities (community organisations) working tirelessly to recreate the magic of Kolkata's grand celebrations. From the bustling lanes of CR Park to the historic neighbourhoods of Timarpur and Civil Lines, Delhi's Durga Puja has evolved into a magnificent spectacle that attracts lakhs of devotees and cultural enthusiasts from across the nation.

The festival, which celebrates the homecoming of Goddess Durga, represents far more than religious observance for Delhi's Bengali community. It serves as a bridge connecting generations, preserving cultural heritage whilst adapting to contemporary sensibilities. The elaborate pandals (temporary structures housing the goddess), intricate themes, and community spirit collectively create an ecosystem that sustains not just tradition, but also local economies and artisan livelihoods.

Art Meets Devotion in Pandal Preparations

The scale and complexity of pandal construction resembles a small-scale architectural project. Kallol Acharyya from The Cooperative Ground Durga Puja Samity explains their year-long commitment: "A pandal of this scale is truly a year-long effort. Planning begins almost immediately after the previous Puja concludes. By January–February, the theme is finalised, followed by detailed design discussions with our artists, craftsmen, and logistics team."

Their Golden Jubilee theme, "Sonar Kella: 50 Years of Golden Memories, the Living Fort," draws inspiration from Satyajit Ray's masterpiece and Jaisalmer's Golden Fort. "Just as the fort stands tall in the desert, our Puja has stood resilient and radiant for five decades," notes Acharyya. The samity typically engages 70-80 artisans, carpenters, painters, electricians, and volunteers who work tirelessly for nearly three months before Puja, with construction beginning around late July or early August.

Environmental consciousness has become increasingly important. "In line with our sustainability pledge, we use only biodegradable materials—cloth, bamboo, wood, shola, and eco-friendly paints. Plastic and thermocol are strictly avoided. Even the idol is painted with natural colours," emphasises Acharyya.

The CR Park B Block Puja Samity, also celebrating their Golden Jubilee this year, has chosen "Mati" (Mother Earth) as their theme. As one organiser, Pushkar Basu explains, "The entire pandal, the theme and the concept, everything is made out of mati itself. It has been a tremendous journey. Every year is a learning in itself, how we can improvise and focus more on making the Pujo a success, not just having glamour inside the Pujo. The aesthetic part should remain constant."

The 112-year-old Timarpur & Civil Lines Puja Samity, the oldest in all of Delhi, approaches preparation with intergenerational collaboration. Their theme, "Peace Through Strength", reflects deep philosophical underpinnings. "The wisdom of our elders, rooted in timeless symbols like Nataraj's cosmic dance and Buddha's serene teachings, provides the philosophical and traditional foundation for our celebration. Meanwhile, our younger members are translating these powerful ideas into a contemporary experience," explains their spokesperson.

Commerce Meets Culture in Markets of Delhi

Delhi's markets experience a remarkable transformation during the Durga Puja season, with local vendors and shop owners preparing months in advance for the festive rush. The markets surrounding CR Park, particularly Market No. 1 and Market No. 2, become epicentres of commercial activity.

Rajesh Pal, a flower vendor in CR Park Market No. 2, shares, "We start stocking different varieties of flowers from Bengal and Karnataka weeks before the festival. Marigolds, roses, and especially lotus flowers see massive demand. We run to the flower market at 2 am and stock up on everything to the brim. Our sales increased by 300-400% during these five days." Similarly, fabric shops witness unprecedented footfall as families purchase traditional attire.

Every year, CR Park hosts a handloom expo at Bangiya Samaj and Kali Bari, bringing in people from all over Bengal, Odisha and other parts of India. Many more such pre-pujo pop-ups throng the diaspora of CR Park and all over Delhi. One such pop-up store representative of Boyanika spoke to us, "The demand for handloom sarees, kurtas, and children's ethnic wear peaks during this time. We coordinate with our weavers from Odisha and bring exclusive collections of Sambalpuri handloom work. The Bengali and Odia and diasporic community here is very particular about authenticity."

Shops across Delhi have started getting their fabrics and orders for alterations and size fittings with deadlines right on their head. Fishes of all kinds have started coming into the CR Park fish markets, as next week marks the start of the rush and more. Light chains, pandal workers, and even chai stalls are all ready. 

The Timarpur market area similarly buzzes with activity. "Shops and stalls are bustling with people, and the streets are vibrant with colourful ethnic wear, decorative lights, and all the essential puja items. The footfall has been steadily increasing as families and devotees of Maa Durga get ready for the celebrations," notes the Timarpur Samity.

Restaurants and Sweet Shops Join the Festivities in Full Fledge

Food forms an integral part of Durga Puja celebrations, and Delhi's Bengali restaurants and sweet shops prepare extensively for the increased demand. Pabrai's, the iconic ice cream shop in CR Park, begins preparation weeks in advance. "We increase our production of ice creams like sandesh, nolen gur, and coconut by nearly 400% during Puja days. It takes 10 days for ice cream to reach from Kolkata to here, but we are full in prep mode now," explains the manager. 

Sandesh, another beloved sweet shop, focuses on maintaining authenticity. "Our customers expect the same taste they would get in Kolkata. We bring ingredients directly from Bengal and employ chefs who specialise in Bengali sweets. During Pujo, we operate extended hours and set up temporary stalls near major pandals."

Maa Tara restaurant prepares special festive menus featuring traditional Bengali dishes. "We design special thalis featuring bhog recipes, fish curry preparations, and traditional vegetable dishes. Our kitchen staff works overtime during these five days, and we often see queues extending outside our restaurant," shares the owner, “If on normal days we are selling 20-30 thalis a day, we sell 200-300 thalis a day during Pujo time.”

Local food vendors also participate enthusiastically. Street food stalls around pandals offer everything from puchka and jhalmuri to fish fry and chicken rolls. Many samities arrange for food courts within their premises, creating opportunities for local caterers and small-scale food businesses.

The preparation extends beyond just increased production; it involves careful coordination with suppliers, additional staff recruitment, and often temporary outlet expansion. Many establishments view this period as crucial for their annual revenue, with some reporting that Durga Puja week contributes to 15-20% of their yearly earnings.

A Community United in Celebration

Delhi's Durga Puja represents the successful transplantation and evolution of Bengali culture in the nation's capital. The meticulous preparation undertaken by samities, the commercial vitality of local markets, and the culinary abundance of restaurants and sweet shops collectively create an ecosystem that sustains both tradition and economic activity.

As Kallol Acharyya aptly summarises: "The CR Park Puja circuit is the cultural heartbeat of Delhi during Durga Puja. It's not just about one committee—it's about an ecosystem where everyone plays a role." This collaborative spirit, spanning generations and communities, ensures that Delhi's Durga Puja continues to flourish, creating lasting memories whilst honouring ancestral traditions.

As dhaak beats permeate the soul of Chittaranjan Park, the Bengali soul of Delhi, a community far from home but still very near to it, gets ready to open their doors to welcome the daughter who has come back to their home.