Lucknow: In 2024, Lucknow witnessed a spectacular Durga Puja celebration, with theme-based pandals dominating the festive landscape. The city embraced a creative surge, blending tradition with innovative designs that showcased India’s rich cultural heritage as well as global influences. These artistic structures not only celebrated the divine but also captured the imagination of the people, as each pandal seemed to tell its own unique story.
As theme-based pandals and vibrant decorations adorned the city,the festive revellers decked up in their best to soak in the Ma Durga Elo vibes. This year’s celebrations welcome Maa Durga ona grander scale, with several pandals ready to dazzle visitors with their intricate designs, cultural richness, and spiritual ambiance.
Model House Park Pandal – St. Peter’s Basilica Replica
One of the most stunning pandals is at Model House Park, where a replica of St. Peter’s Basilica from Vatican City came to life. The Mitro Sangho Puja committee marked its 50th year of celebrations, and this year’s 70-foot-tall structure was nothing short of magnificent. Inside the pandal, a 15-foot-tall idol of Goddess Durga, inspired by Ajanta-style monolithic sculptures was worshipped.
Ramakrishna Math, Nirala Nagar – Kumari Puja
At Ramakrishna Math, the Kumari Puja was be the central attraction. This special ritual, where a young girl is worshipped as a manifestation of Devi Durga took place on Ashtami day (Friday, October 11) at 9:30 am. Swami Muktinathananda, the Adhyaksha of Ramakrishna Math presided over the proceedings. The climax of the celebrations was Sandhi Puja, which takes place during the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami tithi, marking a spiritually significant moment in the festival.
Bengali Club – 110-Year-Old Tradition
The Bengali Club‘s 110-year-old Durga Puja the oldest Sarwajanik (public) puja in Lucknow. Started by Atul Krishna Sinha in 1914 continued to draw faithful. This year, the Sandhi Puja on Maha Ashtami was a special event.
Shri Ram Temple Replica at Sahara Estate
In Jankipuram, a pandal replicating the Shri Ram Temple from Ayodhya was set up. Along with the idol of Maa Durga, a life-sized idol of Ram Lalla was placed in the pandal. Traditional drummers, or Dhakis from Bengal, added to the festive atmosphere with their performances, and a series of cultural programs are scheduled to take place during the celebrations.
Latouche Road Puja Sangsad Society – Ram Leela Theme
The Latouche Road Puja Sangsad Society chose the theme of Ram Leela for their pandal. The pandal was transformed into a pictorial representation of scenes from the Ramayana, with 20-foot-tall replicas of heritage buildings and arched gates resembling those in Ayodhya.
Trans-Gomti Puja
Renowned sculptor Abhijeet Biswas crafted the Ma Durga idol in the traditional Aadi Bangla style for the Trans-Gomti Puja. This idol was crafted in Varanasi, and its final touches were completed in Lucknow. In keeping with tradition, five types of clays—Ganga, Shamshan, Tulsi, Goshalar, and Devimandir mati—were used in the creation of the protima (idol). This year paid a special ode to founding patron Bhaskar Bose..
Meanwhile, the Akshardham Temple theme brought an added touch of architectural brilliance. The Akshardham-inspired pandal was an architectural marvel, with vibrant lights and intricate carvings showcasing the glory of Indian temple design. Visitors marveled at the attention to detail, with replicas of the temple’s exquisite sculptures and sprawling courtyards evoking a sense of sacredness and devotion.
Among the many striking themes, the Badshah Nagar pandal took a different, more humble approach, featuring a special idol of Durga. This particular design resonated deeply with the masses, as the idol was a reflection of the strength, resilience, and beauty of ordinary women in India..
Other noted pandals included RDSO, Alambagh, DPS, Eldeco, Victoria XI, Hewett Road, Shashi Bhushan, Hewett Road, Sashwat Club Puja, Vikas Nagar and Lalbagh, Opposite Lucknow Municipal Corporation
These pandals, each with their unique themes and designs, contributed to the festive spirit across the city. Traditional Bengali food stalls, cultural performances, and devotional activities like aarti, bhog, and Sindoor Khela.
