Hazra Park

Hazra Park Durga Puja — Drishtikon (দৃষ্টিকোণ)

Hazra Park Durga Puja, staged on Hazra Road in Bhowanipore near Jatin Das Park Metro, is one of South Kolkata's most talked-about community pujas. In 2025 the club entered its 83rd year and unveiled a theme titled Drishtikon (দৃষ্টিকোণ — "Perspective"), with the idol and pandal presenting a deliberately unconventional point of view. Artist Biman Saha conceived a 30-foot, city-tallest Durga idol that year — a sculptural statement that drew long queues of visitors. The pandal played with optical illusion and mirrored framing so the goddess appeared different from every angle: a literal exploration of perspective.

Hazra Park has built a reputation for experimental, installation-driven décor rather than orthodox sabeki styling. Organisers, including joint secretary Sayan Deb Chatterjee, position the puja as public art. Beyond the spectacle, the club keeps a strong neighbourhood character — evening arati, cultural programmes and community bhog draw local families. For pandal-hoppers, Hazra Park is an essential South Kolkata stop, best visited on Saptami or Ashtami evenings when the lighting and crowds peak. The 2025 Drishtikon theme underlined the club's belief that Durga Puja is as much about how we choose to see as what we see.

Reaching Hazra Park is easy: Jatin Das Park Metro on the Purple Line is a short walk away, and the pandal sits amid Bhowanipore's dense festival circuit, within striking distance of other South Kolkata marquees. Visitors are advised to come on weekday evenings to avoid the Saptami–Navami crush, and to keep phone storage free for the many photo opportunities the mirrored set offers. Like all community pujas, entry is free and the bhog — the perennial favourite khichuri–labra — is worth queuing for.

• Area: South Kolkata (Bhowanipore, near Jatin Das Park Metro)
• 2025 theme: Drishtikon / দৃষ্টিকোণ (Perspective)
• Artist: Biman Saha; 30-ft city-tallest idol