The pandals and artistic designs of the Durga Puja celebrations of 2026 will incorporate religious practices, historical characters and national symbols. In Kolkata, where Durga Puja is celebrated on a large scale, there are many organisers who are using their artistry and design skills to portray themes related to the culture, freedom struggle and personalities of India.
One such theme that will be popular during this time will include the portrayal of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. Themes depicting the life and work of the personality will be in keeping with the organisers’ efforts to focus on portraying personalities in the form of artistic and festival installations. Such installations will inspire festival-goers to know more about the contributions of those personalities who have significantly contributed towards the political development of the nation.
Vande Mataram, which is the national song of India, will be one of the themes depicting patriotism and struggle for freedom. Pandals that will take their cue from this theme will be able to include traditional art, historical elements and symbolic decorations in order to portray the importance of the national song in the freedom struggle of the nation.
Lord Ram is yet another religious and cultural theme which is being explored through these celebrations. Artworks inspired by the Ramayana and other related traditions will help the organisers link the stories of the epics with the pandal designs. These exhibitions incorporate not only religion but also craft and art, offering the visitors a chance to experience different perspectives of India’s epics and cultural traditions.
Durga Puja has been evolving into an art festival, and the organisers use various architectural forms, light installations and sculptures to convey their messages. Though the elements of mythology and traditional worship are crucial for Durga Puja, other important aspects are added to the festival.
These multiple themes show how Durga Puja is developing, keeping its religious essence intact. Devotion, history, and culture are incorporated in this year’s themes, providing visitors with diverse views of the stories and personalities forming India’s cultural heritage.
With the beginning of the festival, people will have a chance to visit the pandals and learn more about the themes used this year.
