Durga Puja in Pune is not merely a festival; it is an odyssey of devotion, artistry, and community. As the city dons a festive glow, each day unfolds with its unique rhythm—early morning chants, pushpanjali offerings, the communal sharing of bhog, evening aratis filled with incense and dhak beats, and cultural performances that stretch late into the night. The culmination comes with sindoor utsav and the farewell procession, where joy and melancholy merge in the spirit of bidding adieu to the Goddess.
This year, the festival began on September 22 and will conclude on October 2, 2025, with the grand celebration of Dussehra. Across Pune, pandals are returning with renewed enthusiasm and creativity, each with its own theme and flavour. For devotees, pandal hoppers, and cultural enthusiasts alike, Durga Puja 2025 promises to be unforgettable.
Major Durga Puja Pandals in Pune
1. Bangiya Sanskriti Samsad (Congress Bhavan Pandal)
One of Pune’s most anticipated pandals, Bangiya Sanskriti Samsad is setting a benchmark in sustainability this year. The idols are being crafted from biodegradable materials like bamboo and soil, and the décor will showcase the intricate beauty of Dokra art from Purulia. It is not just a place of worship, but also a reflection of how tradition and environmental responsibility can coexist.
2. Kali Bari Durga Puja Pandal
Marking its 86th year, the Kali Bari Puja remains a spiritual anchor for the Bengali community in Pune. The theme for 2025 revolves around the Ram Mandir, blending faith with heritage. Known for its authentic rituals and cultural programs, this pandal draws devotees who value tradition at its purest.
3. Rohi Villa Palace, Koregaon Park
No Durga Puja in Pune feels complete without a stop at Rohi Villa Palace. Since 2001, the Nandalik Group has turned this pandal into a cultural landmark. Daily pushpanjali takes place at 10:30 a.m. and sandhya aarti at 6:30 p.m., followed by evenings filled with plays, music, and community performances. The food kiosks here are legendary, serving Kolkata-style favourites such as fish fry, rolls, chops, sandesh, and other delicacies that keep visitors coming back every year.
4. Anandmela Across Pandals
The Anandmela is another highlight of Pune’s Puja celebrations. These bustling fairs showcase handicrafts, traditional Bengali attire, and a variety of food stalls. From mishti doi and rosogolla to puchkas and jhal muri, it offers a slice of Bengal in the heart of Maharashtra. Many pandals also host cultural evenings with dance, fusion music, and folk performances.
Temples to Visit in Pune During Navratri
While pandals are the centre of festive energy, Pune’s Durga temples provide spaces of deeper spiritual reflection during Navratri.
1. Vaishno Devi Temple, Pimpri – Known for blessings of prosperity and fulfilment of wishes.
2. Aai Mata Mandir, Kondhwa – A revered temple where special prayers during Navratri celebrate the mother goddess.
3. Bhawani Mata Temple, Bhawani Peth – A powerful site of devotion where worshippers seek strength and protection.
4. Chatushrungi Mata Temple, Senapati Bapat Road – One of Pune’s most iconic temples, attracting pilgrims from across India.
5. Shitala Mata Mandir, Ravivar Peth – Dedicated to the goddess of health, worshipped for healing and protection from ailments.
Cultural Highlights of Durga Puja in Pune
Durga Puja in Pune is as much about art and culture as it is about devotion. The evenings are alive with dhunuchi naach, where devotees perform incense dances to the rhythm of the dhak. On Vijayadashami, women gather for sindoor khela, smearing vermillion on each other in a ritual of joy and farewell. The cultural programs feature everything from Rabindra Sangeet to modern fusion music, offering a vibrant platform for both local and national artists.
Getting to Pune
- By Air: Pune International Airport connects the city with major metros and select international destinations.
- By Train: Pune Junction is a major railway hub with excellent connections across India.
- By Road: Pune is well connected by highways, just three hours from Mumbai, making it ideal for road trips.
- At pandals, don’t miss the bhog—khichuri, labra, chutney, and payesh.
- Rohi Villa and Anandmela stalls are famous for authentic Kolkata food.
- Pune’s own flavours can be savoured in local snacks like vada pav and misal pav around pandal hotspots.
Durga Puja 2025 in Pune is not just a festival—it is a shared cultural heartbeat of the city. From traditional temples to creative pandals, from soulful rituals to bustling food fairs, every moment weaves together faith, artistry, and community spirit. As the celebrations conclude on October 2 with Dussehra, the city will once again carry forward the message of good triumphing over evil, leaving behind memories of devotion, joy, and togetherness.
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