After the excitement of Shoshti, the festive rhythm continued as Saptami arrived — the day when Kolkata truly glows from every corner. I decided to explore a bit of North Kolkata once again, where every para is filled with heritage, creativity, and that unmistakable Puja charm.

My first destination for the day was Tala Pratyay — a place that never fails to surprise with its grand scale and thoughtful artistry. The pandal had that signature old Kolkata essence, where tradition meets bold concepts.

After that, I headed to Jogat Mukherjee Park, a spot that beautifully blended modern art with cultural storytelling. The entire pandal setup felt alive — colorful, detailed, and filled with the festive buzz.

From there, we made our way to Kumartuli Park, where artistry truly comes home. Surrounded by the lanes of idol-makers, this pandal had an aura that reflected Kolkata's artistic heart.

From there, we stopped at Chore Bagan, another beautiful addition to the North Kolkata trail. The craftsmanship here felt intricate yet balanced — a perfect mix of culture and creativity.

Next, we visited Chalta Bagan, where the play of light and design stood out instantly. It's one of those pandals that draws you in quietly and leaves a lasting impression.

Our next stop was Kashi Bose Lane, another iconic name that never disappoints. This year too, their theme stood out for its creativity and execution — combining innovation with the deep-rooted emotion of Puja.

Finally, we wrapped up the day with a visit to the grand Shreebhumi. The lights, the scale, and the sheer energy of the place made it a perfect way to conclude the day's pandal-hopping adventure.

🌸 Ashtami – A Calm in the Chaos

After all the walking, crowds, and colors of Saptami, Ashtami came with a change of pace. This time, I went out with my parents for a simple, peaceful evening — exploring a few parts of Salt Lake.

We moved around blocks like DL, CK-CL, BJ, AJ, and AK, taking in the variety of pandals spread across the area. Each one carried its own neighborhood charm — some modern, some traditional, but all glowing with festive warmth.

It wasn't a day packed with plans — just a relaxed exploration, capturing the Puja mood without rushing anywhere. Sometimes, that calmness feels just right amidst the chaos of the season.

🌼 Saptami and Ashtami together felt like two sides of the same story — one filled with movement, exploration, and excitement, and the other with peace, simplicity, and family time.

📌 Next up: Nabami, the grand crescendo before the festival begins to fade — stay tuned for Part 4 of this journey through the days of Durga Puja!

Thanks for reading

@iQOO Connect