In a historic move to immortalise its most celebrated festival, West Bengal is constructing a colossal, year-round architectural landmark dedicated to Durga Puja in Kolkata's New Town. This ambitious project, conceived in the wake of UNESCO recognising the festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, aims to transform the ephemeral spirit of pandals into a permanent global destination for devotion, culture, and tourism.
A Monumental Tribute to an Eternal Festival
For generations, the grandeur of Durga Puja has been encapsulated in magnificent but temporary pavilions that vanish after the five-day festivities. The state is now changing that narrative with a Rs 261.99 crore complex sprawling across 17.28 acres. Funded by the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO), this endeavour is poised to become the world's largest Durga Puja themed permanent structure, or 'Durgaanagan'.
The contract for this mammoth task has been awarded to Subir Engineering Works, the firm renowned for developing the Jagannath Dham in Digha. The entire project is slated for completion within 24 months, with a targeted public opening in late 2027.
Architectural Splendor: Numbers That Define Grandeur
The scale of the complex is staggering. Its centrepiece will be a 54-metre (approximately 177-foot) high Garbha Griha or sanctum sanctorum, positioning it among the tallest religious structures in eastern India. This main temple will be surrounded by a forest of 1,008 intricately carved pillars, creating majestic corridors for devotees.
Divinity will resonate throughout the space with the installation of 108 idols of various deities, representing the vast pantheon of Hindu worship. In a powerful tribute to Goddess Durga's mount and symbol of strength, 64 statues of lions will be strategically placed across the grounds.
Beyond the main sanctum, separate pavilions (mandaps) are planned for Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Kartik, Lord Ganesh, and Lord Shiva. The complex is designed to be a holistic cultural centre, featuring a large open courtyard with seating for 1,000 people for collective prayers and events, and a dedicated museum to showcase the evolution of Durga Puja, award-winning artefacts, and traditional idol-making techniques.
Sustainable Design and Massive Public Capacity
Aligning with modern ecological sensibilities, the complex is designed as a Gold-certified green building. Plans include planting 300 trees across the site. To maintain a connection with the natural environment, only 20% of the area will be air-conditioned, relying instead on ample natural light and cross-ventilation for the remaining spaces.
The site is engineered to handle a massive influx of visitors, with a projected daily capacity of 1 lakh (100,000) people. This ensures that the landmark will not only serve as a place of worship but also as a major driver for religious tourism and cultural exchange throughout the year, solidifying Kolkata's and West Bengal's position on the global heritage map.
This permanent Durga Puja complex marks a significant shift from transient celebration to enduring legacy. It promises to be a cornerstone for preserving tradition, fostering community, and showcasing Bengal's rich cultural fabric to the world, 365 days a year.
