Dilip Guha, New Delhi : The Durga Puja celebration in Delhi is a vibrant event that highlights the city’s rich cultural heritage. CR Park, often referred to as “Mini Bengal,” is the heart of the Durga Puja festivities in Delhi. It features elaborate pandals, cultural events, and a variety of traditional Bengali cuisine.
This year, The Cooperative Ground Durga Puja Samity is excited to celebrate its 50th annual Durga Puja festival, beginning from September 25 to October 2, 2025, at the Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Cooperative Puja Ground in K-Block, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi.
In honour of this milestone, the samity has chosen the grand theme “Sonar Kella,” paying tribute to Satyajit Ray’s iconic creation and celebrating Bengal’s rich heritage. This year’s pandal will be inspired by the enchanting Jaisalmer Fort in Rajasthan—known as the Golden Fort—immortalised in Ray’s film released in 1974. It symbolises not only the legendary adventures of Feluda but also the 50-year journey of the samity.
Green Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Practices Durga Puja
This Durga Puja stands out for its creative brilliance and steadfast commitment to sustainability. The Puja Mandap is crafted entirely from biodegradable materials, with a strict no-plastic, no-thermocol policy. The Durga Pratima features natural, non-toxic colours, reflecting harmony with nature. This eco-conscious ethos has become a defining feature of the celebration, earning it widespread acclaim across South Delhi.
Their CSR journey reflects a deep and sustained commitment to community welfare and inclusive growth. It began in 1999 with scholarship aid for students from economically weaker sections of society, followed in 2000 by the donation of an ambulance and a personal computer to Chittaranjan Memorial. In 2015 and again in 2019, they introduced a free E-Rickshaw service for senior citizens within C.R. Park, enhancing mobility and dignity for the elderly. Responding to the challenges of the pandemic, they organised a free COVID-19 vaccination camp in 2022. Continuing their healthcare outreach, they conducted free medical health camps in 2024, reaffirming their dedication to public well-being and social responsibility.
Vivek Bhattacharjee –Secretary, The Cooperative Ground Durga Puja Samity, talking about gleaming heritage, informs that the Samity was founded with a modest budget in 1975, to one of Delhi NCR’s most loved and awarded celebrations. The Cooperative Ground Durga Puja has been built on the dreams of a few and the devotion of many.
He said, “We owe this journey to our founding pillars-Late A. B. Dasgupta, Late B. N Das, Late P. B. Datta, Late A. K. Mitra, and Late D. N. Chakraborty— whose vision lit the first lamp of this Puja. By the 1980s, a spirited group of young enthusiasts, including Somnath Ganguly, Samir Datta, and Shankar Bose, became the driving force behind the Puja. In the mid-1990s, Jadav Ch Dey also joined this growing family, helping to shape the evolving celebration.”
“We also remember with love and respect the many noble souls who poured their heart and soul into building this Puja, but are no longer with us to witness the seed they sowed grow into such a magnificent tree. This Golden Jubilee is dedicated to them as much as it is to the living custodians of this legacy. Over five decades, generations of volunteers and well-wishers have nurtured it with love, creativity, and tireless service. Today, as we mark our 50th year, we celebrate not just Maa Durga, but the spirit of unity, culture, and community that has carried us from a small park gathering to a beacon of tradition and art”.
“Our aim this year is to make Sonar Kella come alive—both as an artistic tribute and as a symbol of 50 years of community spirit. The installation “Sonar Kella “aims to evoke nostalgia and cultural pride among Bengalis around the world. Our pandal will recreate the golden sandstone splendour of Rajasthan’s desert fort, seamlessly blending history, art, and craftsmanship. From majestic gates to intricate carvings, visitors will step into a living homage to India’s cultural heritage, where the festive spirit of Bengal meets the golden legacy of Rajasthan,” he explained.
“This year, we invite you all to step into the golden sands of Sonar Kella, where history, art, and devotion converge in our Puja pandal. This year, as we celebrate 50 glorious years of The Cooperative Ground Durga Puja Samity, the fort rises once more not of stone alone, but of memories, love, and community spirit that have been built over generations. Each gate, each carving, each glowing corner tells a story: A story of families coming together, of hands that shaped traditions, and of hearts that celebrated with unbridled joy.
Here, Bengal’s festive soul meets the golden grandeur of Rajasthan, inviting every visitor to become part of a living legacy where past and present shine side by side.
In Sonar Kella, our Golden Jubilee is not just seen, but felt as a fortress of pride, culture, and togetherness that will endure for generations.”
Sumit Majumdar, President, The Cooperative Ground Durga Puja Samity, said, “As we celebrate 50 glorious years of the Cooperative Ground Durga Puja, we honour not just our traditions but the collective spirit that has kept us united through generations. This Golden Jubilee is a tribute to every hand that built, every heart that nurtured, and every soul that celebrated with us.
‘Sonar Kella’ is not just our theme—it is the golden fortress of memories and togetherness we have created as a community.”
Lipi Chatterjee, Treasurer, The Cooperative Ground Durga Puja Samity, said
“For fifty golden years, our Cooperative Ground Durga Puja has stood like a living fort, built brick by brick from the devotion of our members, the tireless hands of our volunteers, and the blessings of our well-wishers. This year, our theme Sonar Kella rises in the heart of Chittaranjan Park, a shimmering tribute to Satyajit Ray’s timeless tale and to our own enduring legacy. Here, Bengal’s festive soul meets Rajasthan’s golden glory, and every visitor becomes part of a story that will shine for generations to come.”
Pre-Puja Festivities included a Pujo Olympics (Annual Sports Day) with races for all age groups, and a Samir Datta Memorial Mini Football Tournament. Cultural competitions include Karaoke (K-Studio), Recitation, Dance, Fancy Dress, Drawing, Antakshari (Gaan Peyeche), Quiz (K-Wiz), and the much-loved community food festival Anandomela.
With annual footfalls exceeding 200,000, the Cooperative Ground Durga Puja stands as one of Northern India’s most celebrated cultural platforms. Revered for its grandeur, inclusivity, and deep-rooted traditions, this Puja has become a beacon of festive spirit and community bonding in Delhi NCR.
Bhog: A Divine Offering of Devotion and Togetherness
At the heart of our Durga Puja lies the Bhog prasad — not merely a meal, but a sacred offering prepared with devotion under the blessings of Maa Durga. Devotees from across Delhi and beyond gather to partake in this Prasad, which is renowned for its quality, generous portions, and the warmth with which it is served. Staying true to our values of tradition and sustainability, the Bhog is served on eco-friendly areca nut plates. Over the three days of celebration, thousands come together to receive this soulful meal, a symbol of faith, unity, and shared joy. Among the highlights is the much-loved Nolen Gurer Payesh, which returns this year with an expected 10,000–12,000 devotees relishing its sweetness — once again served in eco-friendly plates that reflect our commitment to the environment.
The Legendary Food Court: Where Delhi Meets Kolkata on a Plate
No celebration at the Cooperative Ground is complete without its iconic food court — a beloved destination for food lovers across Delhi NCR. Known as a culinary paradise, the food court brings together nostalgic Bengali street fare and global gourmet delights, making every stall a celebration of taste. Visitors can indulge in Bengali classics like golden chop, flaky mughlai paratha, jhal muri, fish fry, mishti doi, phucka, aaloo kabli, and Kolkata-style biryani. Street food lovers will find spicy kathi rolls, Delhi’s famous golgappas, chole bhature, and flavour-packed chaats. For seafood and non-veg enthusiasts, crispy fish, prawn delicacies, and aromatic meat curries await.
Global tastes are also on offer, with Chinese stir-fries, Lebanese wraps, wood-fired pizzas, and fusion bites adding international flair. Sweet cravings are met with traditional rosogolla and the thrilling chill of nitrogen ice creams at Nitro Café. Vegetarian options abound, too, with fresh platters, wholesome salads, and comfort food perfect for the festive mood.
Golden Jubilee Cultural Line-up: A Week of Music, Dance, and Celebration
The Cooperative Ground Durga Puja’s Golden Jubilee promises a spectacular cultural showcase, blending tradition, talent, and inclusivity across eight vibrant days.
On 25 September, the festivities begin with a soulful performance by Kunal Ganjawala, one of Bollywood’s most beloved playback singers, whose repertoire spans Bengali, Marathi, and Kannada cinema. The following evening, 26 September, welcomed the acclaimed pianist-vocalist duo Sourendro–Soumyojit, known for their fusion of Indian classical and contemporary music. Their celebrated album Jaya Hey, featuring 40 legendary musicians, remains a testament to their artistic brilliance.
On 27th September, a captivating live performance by Pawandeep Rajan will be a highlight of the Pujo celebrations. Hailing from Champawat, Uttarakhand, Pawandeep is a gifted playback singer, musician, and composer whose artistry has touched audiences nationwide. As the winner of Indian Idol 12 and The Voice India (2015), his soulful voice and musical versatility continue to enchant fans across generations. The evening is poised to become unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend
28 September brings a double treat: the iconic Bengali band Chandrabindoo, famous for their witty, satirical lyrics that reflect current events and cultural quirks, will share the stage with Basudeb Das Baul, a renowned Baul singer from Bolpur, West Bengal, whose soulful renditions on traditional instruments like the khamak, ektara, and dotara promise to mesmerise.
29 September is dedicated to diverse artistic expressions. The evening opens with Gupi-Bagha’r Antorjatik Abhijaan, a magical children’s dance drama that takes audiences on a time-travel adventure through global cultures. This is followed by Durga Stuti, a Kathak performance that pays homage to Goddess Durga, and a special appearance by Ipsit Pati, Indian Idol 2024 star, whose soulful voice and memorable stage moment with Amitabh Bachchan continue to inspire.
On 30 September, rock enthusiasts will revel in the energy of The Urban Monkz, a band deeply influenced by the classics of the ’60s to ’80s, covering legends like Pink Floyd, Guns N’ Roses, and Deep Purple. 1 October features Jyotiprakash Ojha, an Indian Idol vocalist known for his renditions of Bangla and Hindi melodies, alongside Arpita Das, a versatile singer celebrated for her mastery in Rabindra Sangeet and contemporary genres, as well as her impactful presence on television and stage.
The grand finale on 2 October (Vijaya Dashami) begins with an Inclusive Shindoor Khela, open to women of all backgrounds — including widows, transgender women, single mothers, divorcees, and sex workers — celebrating unity, dignity, and equality. The evening concludes with a heartfelt performance by Subhajit Chakraborty, runner-up of Indian Idol Season 15, whose music will bid a joyful farewell before the eco-friendly visarjan.
Whether devotee here for Pushpanjali or simply to savour the flavours, the Cooperative Ground Durga Puja promises a feast for the soul and the senses — a place where tradition, taste, and togetherness come alive.
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