In the heart of Chittaranjan Park, Delhi’s vibrant Bengali enclave, the air is thick with anticipation as Durga Puja draws near.
The lanes of CR Park buzz with the familiar rhythm of pre-festival preparations — a saree pop-up shop in Market 2, sweet shops churning out endless varieties, and workers perched atop bamboo scaffoldings. Decorations are in full swing.
For residents, this is the season when the neighbourhood transforms into a slice of Bengal. Yet beneath the festive fervour lies unease: the Bengali workers who once formed the backbone of these celebrations are fewer in number this year.
Organisers admit that the situation has become grim, with a shortage of artisans travelling from Bengal.
Cooperative Ground Puja marks 50 years
At the Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Cooperative Puja Ground in K-Block, the Cooperative Ground Durga Puja Samity is preparing for its golden jubilee from September 25 to October 2.
This year’s theme, Sonar Kella, pays homage to Satyajit Ray’s iconic film and to Bengal’s cultural pride, echoing the timeless radiance of Jaisalmer’s golden fort. “This golden jubilee is a heartfelt tribute to every hand that built, every heart that nurtured, and every soul that celebrated with us,” said Sumit Majumdar, president of the Samity. “Sonar Kellaembodies our shared journey.”
A visit to the site, however, revealed that while artisans from Kolkata were present, most of the labourers hailed from Bihar and Jharkhand. The contractor, a Bengali from Dwarka, explained: “Many were of the opinion that they would get attacked in Delhi so they decided not to come, although I told them there would be no issue. However, the sentiment has remained.”
Organisers said the pandal will replicate Jaisalmer’s architectural grandeur, with jaali windows, ornate jharokhas, Jain spires, peacocks, and intricate detailing. But worker Rajib Mondal noted that construction had begun late. “Let’s see how it turns out. We are working around the clock to ensure that no problem arises,” he said.
B Block Puja embraces Mother Earth
Nearby, the B Block Puja, also celebrating its 50th year, has chosen the evocative theme of Mother Earth. The idols are being crafted entirely from soil, with the pandal adorned in soft, earthy tones. Even sponsor hoardings are designed to blend with this palette.
The goddess will be surrounded by her nine divine forms, with offerings served in earthenware. Around 50,000 diyas will illuminate the pandal, accompanied by Chandannagar-style lighting. The committee has brought in 16 priests from Midnapore, along with dhakis, artists and craftsmen from Bengal.
“This golden year is a celebration of tradition while passing the torch to the next generation,” said contractor Prosenjit Sardar. Yet he admitted that mobilising workers had been challenging: “The head artisans came without issue, but gathering juniors required a bit of goodwill this time around.”
Mela Ground draws massive crowds
One of CR Park’s largest pandals is at the Mela Ground, where preparations are underway for another 50th anniversary celebration. The vast field is covered with towering bamboo frameworks soon to be transformed into an ornate structure
“This year, we expect around 1.5 lakh visitors daily, and it’s also our 50th year,” said Narayan Dey, organiser-secretary of the Mela Ground Durga Puja Samiti.
The pandal will recreate the splendour of a Rajbari from Malda and feature a 22-foot idol. Artists from Kolkata are at work, and about 15 dhakis are expected to perform.
Committee member Abhijeet explained why many workers were from Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha: “There was a lot of delay involved in getting artisans from Bengal. Our contractor told us it would take more time, so we decided to get workers from other states. However, it is not unusual; we employ a lot of them.”
Primary contractor Rabi Sardar, a resident of Uttam Nagar, added: “There was some delay initially but now everyone is working determinedly. We expect to finish most of the work by the twentieth.”
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Dakshin Palli champions women entrepreneurs
At Pocket 52, the Dakshin Palli Durga Puja Samiti is preparing a 14-foot idol. “We’ve planned several cultural events, and a highlight is our initiative to support women entrepreneurs by providing stalls for their products. We’ll also have singers from Kolkata,” said president PK Paul.
From clothing and jewellery to wellness and handicrafts, the stalls will showcase women-led businesses. Activities will include a naming and logo contest for the cultural programme, aiming to combine festivity with community empowerment.
Contrasts in preparation
Despite the grandeur elsewhere, not all pandals are keeping pace. Near Rajesh Pilot Park, Patriot found a solitary worker from Bihar at a half-finished site. “There aren’t a lot of workers here. I am waiting for the contractor to come so that we can get done with this pandal. It will only get finished by Panchami,” said Raju Yadav.
Beyond CR Park
While CR Park remains the epicentre of the capital’s Durga Puja festivities, other notable celebrations include the century-old Kashmere Gate Puja, Matri Mandir Kali Bari in Safdarjung Enclave, and Mayur Vihar’s Kalibari.
At Matri Mandir, the pandal draws inspiration from Vishnu temples, featuring three grand entry gates. “The colours will primarily be violet and golden, and we expect 6,000–7,000 visitors daily,” said Chandana Mukherjee, president of the Matri Mandir Samiti.
Meanwhile, the Kalibari Mayur Vihar committee is marking its 43rd year with Amito Boro Hoini, a nostalgic homage to Bengali childhood. The pandal will feature handcrafted figurines of comic characters and Sukumar Ray’s limericks, alongside cultural programmes and bhog distribution — blending tradition with contemporary relevance for an AI-driven generation.
