First-Time Pandal Hopper? Here’s Your Survival Guide

 

If you are in Kolkata during Durga Puja, there’s one activity you absolutely cannot miss—pandal hopping. For locals, it’s a tradition. For visitors, it’s a sensory overload. The grand celebration, the dazzling artistry, the food, the crowds, the music, and the late-night buzz make pandal hopping the beating heart of Durga Puja.

But if this is your first time pandal hopping, chances are you’re wondering: Where do I start? How do I plan? What do I eat? And how do I survive the crowds? Don’t worry—this detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your pandal-hopping adventure fun, smooth, and memorable.

What is Pandal Hopping?

A pandal is a temporary structure that houses the idol of Goddess Durga during the festival. Every neighborhood, club, and community competes to create the most unique pandal—sometimes traditional, sometimes artistic, sometimes futuristic.

Pandal hopping means going from one pandal to another, exploring the artistry, taking in the atmosphere, and of course, eating along the way. With over 4,000+ pandals in Kolkata alone, hopping through them is an adventure of its own.

When to Go Pandal Hopping

Timing is everything!

• Daytime (10 AM – 4 PM): Best for exploring the artistry of the pandals in detail. Less crowded, good for photography.

• Evening (6 PM – 11 PM): The real magic begins—lights, music, dhak (traditional drums), and buzzing energy. Expect crowds.

• Late Night (11 PM – 3 AM): For hardcore hoppers. The city doesn’t sleep, and late-night hopping often feels magical with fewer lines.

What to Wear While Pandal Hopping

Comfort meets tradition!

• For Women: Cotton or light silk sarees, salwar suits, or Indo-western outfits. Remember, you’ll be walking a lot, so wear comfortable footwear (juttis, sandals, or sneakers).

• For Men: Kurta-pajama or casual shirts with jeans. Pair with Kolhapuri chappals or sneakers for comfort.

• Pro Tip: Avoid heavy outfits or high heels unless you have a car and plan limited stops.

How to Plan Your Route

You simply can’t cover all pandals in one day, so choose wisely:

1. North Kolkata – Known for traditional and heritage pandals (Bagbazar, Kumartuli, College Square).

2. South Kolkata – Trendy and experimental themes (Ekdalia Evergreen, Mudiali, Singhi Park).

3. Salt Lake & New Town – Spacious, modern, and artistic pandals, great for families.

4. Iconic Must-Visits – Deshapriya Park (famous for its gigantic idols), Suruchi Sangha, and Santosh Mitra Square.

Managing the Crowds

Durga Puja attracts millions—so crowds are part of the fun. But here’s how to keep it stress-free:

• Avoid Peak Hours: Evenings on Ashtami and Navami are the most crowded.

• Keep Essentials Handy: Small sling bag, wallet, phone, sanitizer, and water bottle.

• Stay With Your Group: If you’re with friends or family, pick a meeting point in case you get separated.

• Patience is Key: Expect long queues for famous pandals, but the artistry is worth it.

Food to Try While Pandal Hopping

Food is half the fun! Here’s your pandal hopper’s food checklist:

• Bhog: Khichuri, labra (mixed veg curry), chutney, papad, and payesh—served at pandals during the day.

• Street Snacks: Puchka, telebhaja (fritters), ghugni, and egg/mutton rolls.

• Sweet Stops: Rosogolla, mishti doi, chomchom, and sandesh.

• Late-Night Bites: Mughlai paratha, chowmein, chili chicken from food stalls.

Photography Tips

Durga Puja is an Instagram paradise.

• Daytime Shots: Capture details of idols and artistry.

• Night Shots: Use the lighting of pandals for dramatic frames.

• Candid Moments: Dhakis playing drums, children in new clothes, families queuing for bhog.

• Respect: Avoid using flash on idols and be mindful of blocking others.

Suggested Itinerary for First-Time Hoppers

Here’s a sample one-day beginner-friendly pandal hopping plan:

• Morning (10 AM – 1 PM): Start with North Kolkata heritage pandals (Bagbazar, Kumartuli). Have bhog.

• Afternoon (1 PM – 4 PM): Break for lunch at a Bengali restaurant (6 Ballygunge Place, Devi Chowdhurani, or Bhojohori Manna).

• Evening (6 PM – 10 PM): South Kolkata blockbuster pandals (Ekdalia Evergreen, Mudiali, Ballygunge Cultural). Snack on puchka & rolls.

• Late Night (11 PM – 1 AM): Chill at Salt Lake or Park Street pandals with street food and lights.

This way, you get a blend of tradition, art, food, and fun.

Final Thoughts

First-time pandal hopping can feel overwhelming, but that’s exactly what makes Durga Puja unforgettable. The sea of people, the sound of dhak, the smell of incense mixed with rolls and mishti doi, and the sight of Durga in all her glory—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Go with an open heart, a little patience, and a big appetite. By the end of it, you’ll not just see pandals—you’ll feel the soul of Kolkata itself.