When autumn is around the corner and a Bengali looks up to admire the skies puffed up with cottony clouds, just know that they’re trying to sniff the pujo pujo gondho in the air!
Although Lucknow isn’t really a Bengali dominated city like Kolkata, it has its own thriving community of ‘Bongs’, as they are lovingly called, who know how to rev up their celebrations. During Durga Puja, there are some spots in Lucknow which feel like they’re straight out of Kolkata because of the artistic pandals and the exuberance around.
So if you’re a Bong away from home or just a curious non-Bengali, we’ve chalked out 5 places here in Lucknow where you can go pandal-hopping these 5 days.
Model House Durga Pujo
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This one of the well-famed Durga Pujos in Lucknow which has been going on for years now! Here the Bengali community has always offered warm welcomes to all and the vintage charms of Lucknow woven with the sprightly Bengalis, creates a vision to behold. Don’t miss out on the Durga Puja bhog here for sure!
Latouche Road Durga Pujo
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Another one of the major Durga Puja attractions of Lucknow, lies here at the Latouche road, hands-down! They even have functions and activities to keep the evening going so no matter when you drop by, you’ll have something to talk about. Come over and dance our evening away to the rhythms of the dhaak and don’t leave without the proshad.
Bengali Club Durgotsav
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This place is along the roads of Hussainganj and it speaks of communal harmony like no other! The area here is a cultural mix of Hindus and Muslims so be it Durga Puja or Eid, you’ll find all-inclusive festivities here, throughout the year. Come over to witness the pompous fanfare, the Ashtami Anjali in its full glory with whiffs of dhunuchi’s smokes and loud chants and laughter around.
Sahara States Durgotsav
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The Sahara States is known to be a hub of Bengalis in Lucknow and if you haven’t witnessed their puja celebrations, trust us, you’re missing out on life! It is here where humanity converges in their new attires to seek the blessings of the Goddesses and to definitely, keep a check on hot passersby. If you ain’t a pandal-hopping veteran, just come over with your friends for an adda sesh and grab some jhaalmuri or phuchka while at it.
Ravindra Palli Durgotsav
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This Durgatsav is again a prominent part of Lucknow’s diversity and you can’t miss this one out! Happening at Indira Nagar, Ravindra Palli Durga Puja is frolicked by people from all over the city. Immerse yourself in the joys of this festive season here, take a ton of selfies and show ‘em Bongs a few moves of your own. Even if you can’t dance, they’re gonna cheer you on and join in to let you know that you ain’t alone. That’s one of the reasons why we love Bongs, right? Their impeccable hospitality has our hearts.
Dugga Dugga!
Autumn is synonymous to Durga Pujo for Bengalis. It encompasses incessant eating out sessions, dhunuchi naach, morning onjoli, shoe-bites from hours of pandal-hopping, checking out hotties around and gossip of course!
This is that time of the year for Bengalis when time is just a social construct and you’ll see this community, all decked up in their finest picks and best behaviour!
Durga Pujo is an all-inclusive celebration which brings with it a dictionary where calories, tiredness, boriyat, communal differences and worries don’t exist. This year too, Lucknow is offering you a taste of Kolkata’s culture and spirit which you shouldn’t be missing out on.
