With Durga Puja just around the corner, the city is buzzing with activity as artisans sculpt idols, pandals take shape, and the Bengali community prepares for one of its most awaited festivals. This year, organisers have gone all out with creative, thought-provoking themes—blending tradition with innovation. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.
A tribute to women’s empowerment
Where: Palace Grounds, Gate No. 6 (Grand Castle)
The Bengaluru Durga Puja Committee is moving to a larger venue this year with a bold theme—Nari Shakti (Women Power). “We wanted to make a strong statement about respecting and celebrating women,” says organiser Achintya Lal Roy.
Breaking from convention, the rituals will be led entirely by a team of women priests from Kolkata, accompanied by an all-women group of dhakis (traditional drummers). “From who performs the puja to who plays the dhak, we are showcasing equality in every way possible,” Roy adds.
Bringing the Bhagavad Gita to life
Where: Oikotan Hebbal Cultural Society
At Oikotan, spirituality takes centre stage with a theme inspired by the Bhagavad Gita. “Its teachings on peace and harmony are more relevant than ever today,” says Subhradeep Bhowmik of the organising committee.
Pastel hues and serene décor will set the mood, with shlokas and visual representations of Krishna’s teachings forming the artistic backdrop of the pandal.
Honouring chess grandmasters
Where: Nagapura Mahalakshmi Puram
The North Bangalore Cultural Samithi has chosen the ‘World of Chess’ as its theme, linking the 64 squares of the chessboard to the 64 forms of Shakti (Chausat Yogini).
“The idol will be decorated in Sholar Shaj (traditional white décor), but with a unique chess-inspired twist,” says organiser Rahul Thakurta. “It’s our way of honouring chess champions and blending intellect with divinity.”
Tech meets tradition
Where: Whitefield Hospital Road, Convention Centre
The EBCA Mahapuja is introducing a global first: Navadurga in 3D. Visitors can scan posters with their smartphones to see the nine forms of Durga come alive on screen.
“The idol is crafted by an artist from Krishnanagar, while the pandal is fully eco-friendly,” says organiser Sumantha Paul. “It’s about taking puja celebrations into the future while staying rooted in tradition.”
Folk, faith and fusion
Where: BARSHA Durga Puja Ground, Haralur
The BARSHA Bengali Association is celebrating Chitragana, blending Bengal’s Patachitra art with Karnataka’s Yakshagana tradition.
“The pandal will feature masks from Bengal’s Chhau dance, Yakshagana, and even straw masks, with visual elements inspired by Kantara,” explains organiser Priyanka Singh Roy. “It’s our way of celebrating cultural fusion on a grand scale.”
A celebration of hope and harmony
Where: Green Glen Layout Cultural Association, Bellandur
At GGLCA, the theme is Nataraj, the Dance of Bliss. The association hopes to spread positivity amid global turmoil.
“Nataraj’s Ananda Tandava represents victory of harmony over chaos, beautifully echoing Maa Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura,” says Souvik Ghosh, Joint Secretary.