Chittaranjan Park (CR Park) in Delhi is one of the liveliest centres of Durga Puja celebrations during this time, with thousands of people visiting it every day. CR Park, the cultural centre of the Bengali community in Delhi, is known for its colourful pandals, traditional practices, bhog and the busy food stalls.
The most appropriate days to enjoy the celebrations are during the period between 28 September and 2 October, when the celebrations are at their climax. Tourists are also able to observe grand unveilings of idols, evening prayers and cultural programs such as dance, drama and music. Evening of 29 and 30 September makes a good balance; the rituals of the evening are full of energy, and the pandals are lit with relatively easy movement of people in the citizens compared to the last day.
The time of the visit is also important. Afternoons are ideal when there is a need to taste bhog without having to wait so long. Sandhya Aarti is performed every evening starting at 6 PM, and the cultural performances usually start after 7.30 PM. The food booths, traditional crafts and the Anondo Mela activities work late into the night, making the area a vibrant cultural hotbed.
To have an easy time visiting, use public transport since parking slots are occupied fast. Wear nice clothes and shoes, and you will probably walk between the pandals and stalls. It is better to have some cash since some small sellers might not accept payments through digital means.
Going to CR Park during Navratri and Durga Puja is not just a festival, it is an opportunity to explore the Bengali culture, taste the traditional cuisine and get lost in one of the most popular sub-communal celebrations of Delhi.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!