Chennai Durga Puja: 6 Durga Puja Pandals In ChennaI To Check Out in 2025

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If you think Durga Puja celebration is limited to a specific part of the country, think again! While no one celebrates Durga Puja like Kolkata does (check out this year's most creative pandals here), Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai come pretty close to it! From the rhythmic beats of the dhaak, dhunuchi naach, to the traditional attire of kurta-pyjama and white and red sarees, as well as the cultural richness of Rabindra Sangeet and Adhunik music, not to mention the tasty food.

In Chennai, the Probashi Bengalis are super enthusiastic about preserving the essence of Durga Puja. Throughout the six-day celebration, the city's Bengali associations prepare grand pandals adorned with magnificent Durga idols, echoing the spirit of the festival. These gatherings offer opportunities for devotees to perform pushpanjali, don new clothes, relish prasad, and partake in lively cultural programmes during the evenings, making it a true Bengali-style Puja celebration.

Intrigued? Check out these 6 Durga Pandal in Chennai this year to get a taste of true Durga Pooja celebration!

6 Durga Puja Pandals In Chennai

South Madras Cultural Association (SMCA) Durga Puja

The South Madras Cultural Association (SMCA) hosts one of the largest and most vibrant Durga Puja gatherings in the city. Known for its immersive gatherings and cultural scale, their pandals create a slice of Bengal with traditional decor, vibrant installations, and folk art. Rituals remain at the heart of this celebration, accompanied by several stalls offering authentic Bengali cuisine, as well as musical evenings featuring classic dances and dramatic performances. 

Dates: 28 September 2025 to 2 October 2025

Best Time To Visit: 7 PM on ashtami for sandhya aarti

Nearest Metro Station: Chennai Central Metro Station

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The Bengal Association

The Bengal Association in Chennai is one of India's oldest and most renowned Durga Puja celebrations. Famous for its vibrant festivities, including music, dance, and theatre performances featuring traditional folklore, this is the place to be for the most authentic Durga Puja celebration in Chennai. The idol and performers are brought in from Kolkata, where the precise craftsmanship of the idol takes a month, while the priests also hail from Kolkata.

Dates: 28 September 2025 to 2 October 2025

Best Time To Visit: For the evening aarti

Nearest Metro Station: AG DMS Metro

Social Media: Facebook

Dakshini Society

Dakshini Society is celebrating 31 years of Durga Puja this year at the BSNL & Postal Community Hall in Anna Nagar. This pandal creates an enchanting atmosphere with lively drumbeats and ornate decorations. The event has grown significantly since its inception in 1995 and features religious rituals, morning puja, and aarti, along with chandi homam and sindur khela on the last two days. The pandal's tasty offerings include authentic Bengali snacks, luchi with cholar dal, pulao, hara dal, rasgulla, and fish-based dishes.

Dates: 28 September 2025 to 2 October 2025

Best Time To Visit: Ashtami and Maha Navami for Chandi Homam

Nearest Metro Station: Anna Nagar Tower Metro

Social Media: Facebook

Pro Tip: Check out their full schedules here.

Dakshin Chennai Prabasi Cultural Association (DCPCA)

If you're looking for a traditional ekchala-style Goddess Durga idol, head to Dakshin Chennai Prabasi Cultural Association's (DCPCA) Durga Puja celebration. The pandal draws large crowds with its sparkling evening lights. Notably, this year's lineup features a cultural program that includes everything from classical Rabindra Nritya, drama, dance, and dhunuchi. Beyond the Bengali and Odia communities, many Chennai residents visit to savour Bengali delicacies offered at the stalls inside the pandal.

Dates: 28 September 2025 to 2 October 2025

Best Time To Visit: Aarti

Nearest Metro Station: Shenoy Nagar Metro Station

Social Media: Instagram

Madras Kali Bari, West Mambalam

Nestled within the Kolkata Kali temple in West Mambalam, the Madras Kali Bari Pandal is a temple-based celebration that emphasises devotion above all else. It harmoniously celebrates the traditions of both Tamil and Bengali cultures during Dussehra, creating a spiritually enriching experience. The evenings at this venue come alive with crowds from various backgrounds, fostering a cultural exchange of traditions. Additionally, they offer a complimentary lunch featuring authentic Bengali delicacies, so there's no large food fair here; the focus is mostly on spiritual practice and community prayer. 

Dates: 21 September to 2 October

Best Time To Visit: evenings for cultural performances

Nearest Metro Station: Ashok Nagar Metro Station

Social Media: Facebook

Pro-Tip: Read more about the schedule here

Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore

Yet another temple-based celebration, Durga Puja at Ramakrishna Math is observed with profound reverence and adherence to traditional rituals. The celebration here is all about focusing on Durga Maa, rather than the thematic spectacles seen in many public pandals. The ambience is serene and uplifting, perfect for those seeking authentic pujo energy.

Dates: 28 September 2025 to 2 October 2025

Best Time To Visit: Evening for aarti

Nearest Metro Station: Thirumayilai Metro Station

Social Media: Facebook

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