Durga Visarjan 2025: 15 Places To Watch The Rituals Across The City

The Sovabazar Rajbari has a tradition of releasing a pair of Neelkanth birds, symbolising Maa Durga’s journey back to Kailash. The first is released from Sovabazar Rajbari, and the second from a boat on the Hooghly River, rising alongside the Durga idol. According to legend, these birds announce her return to her husband, Shiva. The Rajbari is known for immersing Maa Durga first, after which the rest of Kolkata follows suit. This immersion takes place at exactly 4:00 PM.

How to Reach: Take a metro train that goes to Sovabazar Metro Station.

Facebook: Sovabazar Rajbari

Instagram: @sovabazar_rajbari

Visit Outram Ghat during Visarjan. The processions are characterised by a mix of red and white colours, showcasing the traditional garb of the devotees by the Hooghly River. The experience is significant for many, symbolising both devotion and a deep-seated cultural heritage for the people of Bengal. Due to massive crowds and safety measures, all roads leading directly to the ghat are blocked.

How to Reach: You can take the metro to Esplanade Metro Station and walk from there, or join the procession from the puja pandal you are attending.

Located on the banks of the Ichamati River, separating India and Bangladesh, every year, like the rest of West Bengal, it hosts the 'Epar Bangla Opar Bangla Devi Visharjan Darshan'. The merging of Epar Bangla (West Bengal) and Opar Bangla (Bangladesh) in a joint devotion to the goddess represents harmony and peace.

How to Reach: You can reach Taki by car in about 2-4 hours. Catch the Hasnabad local from Sealdah Station, which will also take around 2 hours. By road, you can drive or take a bus from Esplanade.

Baghbazar Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Kolkata. Not only is the old city charm thriving here, but it is also a location for immersion during Dashami, where you can witness all of the ceremonies that take place before Maa Durga is submerged in the water.

How to Reach: The nearest metro station is Sovabazar Metro Station. From there, you can either walk or take any type of public transport. 

Ahiritola, one of North Kolkata's well-loved ghats, is always a hive of activity during Dashami and the following day. If you plan your visit just right on Dashami, you might even witness a few immersions from bonedi bari Durga pujas.

How to Reach: The nearest metro stations are Sovabazar Sutanuti and Girish Park Metro Station. You can try public transport, though availability may be limited due to roadblocks beyond a certain point.

Shibpur Ghat in Howrah is a great spot to witness the confluence of idols from both Howrah and Kolkata. Shibpur Ghat is a hidden gem that, although less regulated, is just as magical. Missed the big 'Epar Bangla and Opar Bangla' immersions? No worries, Shibpur has your back.

How to Reach: The nearest metro stations are Maidan and Esplanade Metro Stations. There are multiple buses, both AC and non-AC, that go to Shibpur.

LBB Tip: If you want to click postcard-worthy pictures, nearby attractions are Fort William, Eden Gardens, Hajar Hath Kali Temple, and Vidyasagar Setu, the longest cable-stayed bridge in India, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge.

Huge crowds gather, with photographers lining up for the perfect shot. Devotees offer prayers and seek blessings from Maa Durga one last time. Workers carefully transport the heavy idols from trucks to the ghats, ensuring that every ritual is performed properly.

How to Reach: Take a metro train that goes to Sovabazar Sutanuti Metro Station.

LBB Tip: Be alert and beware of pickpockets.

Although known for cremations, during Durga Puja, this ghat also hosts immersion processions. The rituals here blend respect for the departed with the celebrations of the festival. During the immersions, the air is filled with chants and prayers.

How to Reach: The nearest metro stations are MG Road Metro Station, Girish Park Metro Station and Sovabazar Sutanuti Metro Station.

LBB Tip: Don’t miss the Baba Bhootnath Dham temple, where poet Shakti Chattopadhyay once visited with his American friend, Allen Ginsberg.

A 300-year-old mansion, Rajbari Bawali, also celebrates Durga Puja. It's one of the bonedi bari pujas. The Rajbari's magnificent setting adds to its charm. The courtyard is the venue for Sindoor Khela, and the steps leading up to the Thakurdalan further enhance the event's imposing beauty. The idol is submerged in the sacred waters of the Hooghly nearby. They currently have Durga Puja staycation packages, which you can book for all the days.

Timing: Open 24 hours

Price: INR 20,000 + taxes onwards; INR 2,500 + taxes for Durga Puja menu

Website: therajbari.com

Contact: 03341800305

Instagram: @therajbaribawaliofficial

Facebook: The Rajbari Bawali

Mahamaya 2025 is the traditional Durga Puja held in Bari Kothi. The theme this year is Somonnyoy. Aparajita Puja, a unique kind of worship for everlasting triumph, completes the Durga Puja rituals. Little sprigs of Aparajita trees are tied to the wrists of the devotees in attendance following the Aparajita Puja. Immediately following, 'Bijaya Dashami' begins with 'Sindoor Khela', an essential aspect of the festivities.

Timing: Open 24 hours

Price: INR 9,500 - INR 15,500 per night

Contact: 09051200800

Website: barikothi.com

Instagram: @barikothi

Facebook: Bari Kothi

Since 1859, the Daws of Jorasanko have celebrated Durga Puja at their Thakurdalan. This puja was started at the Thakurdalan by the late Sri Narasingha Chandra Daw, and it is still observed by the current generations following the same customs, rites, and rituals, including 'Bijoya Dashami' and 'Sindoor Khela'.

How to Reach: The nearest metro station is Girish Park Metro Station.

Facebook: Jorasanko Shib Krishna Daw Bari

Instagram: @jorasankodawbari

Another well-liked location for idol immersion is Baje Kadamtala Ghat, which is close to the Howrah Bridge. For many years, this ghat has hosted visarjan. It is a must-see location during Durga Puja because of the magnificent Howrah Bridge in the backdrop and the colourful activities surrounding the ghat.

How to Reach: The nearest metro station is Howrah-Maidan Metro Station.

At Bongaon, Mathabhanga, upstream of the Ichamati River, offers a distinctive Visarjan experience. Once again, it is the river that connects Bangladesh and India. The calm surroundings and the cross-border link give this immersion a unique flavour. It is a serene location where you can observe the deeper significance of the Durga Puja celebration.

How to Reach: You can book tickets for trains running from Howrah Railway Station and Sealdah Railway Station. Buses take around 15-16 hours. Booking a flight will cost you between INR 12,000 and 20,000 due to festive rates.

The idols of Goddess Durga are carried in ornately decked processions by crowds of people. The air is filled with traditional music and sounds of the dhak, which heighten the cheerful mood. It represents the conclusion of the elaborate puja rituals and the departure of Goddess Durga following her yearly visit to her maternal house. The public says goodbye to the goddess and asks for her blessings for the upcoming year.

Where: Shipping Ferryghat, 5 PM onwards

When: 2 October

Price: INR 1,299 onwards

Visit the magnificent Cossimbazar Rajbari to experience the royal Durga visrajan festivities, rich in customs and history. When Bengal's nawabs ruled from Murshidabad, the Cossimbazar Palace was constructed. So, you can imagine how traditional the entire idol immersion procession is here.

Timing: Open 24 hours

Price: INR 14,000 onwards

Contact: 098310 31108

Facebook: Cossimbazar Palace Of The Roys - Rajbari

Instagram: @cossimbazarpalaceoftheroys