A Little Kolkata in Delhi: A Morning at CR Park During Durga Puja
There is something quite magical about experiencing a city within another city. And that is exactly how I felt during a morning visit to Chittaranjan Park, or CR Park, with my family during Durga Puja.
Delhi has its own personality, its own celebrations and its own rhythm. But for a few days every year, a little corner of South Delhi transforms into something that feels remarkably close to Kolkata.
We decided to explore the pandals in the morning, away from the overwhelming evening crowds. As someone who loves photography, I find mornings especially beautiful. The light is softer, the spaces feel more intimate, and there is time to observe the little details that often disappear in the rush of a festival.
What began as a simple family outing turned into a fascinating journey through art, architecture, craftsmanship and culture.
When a Pandal Becomes a Work of Art
What fascinated me most was how every pandal had its own story to tell.
Some were inspired by the typical buildings of old Kolkata, with their nostalgic architectural details, traditional façades and an atmosphere reminiscent of the city's older neighbourhoods. There was something beautiful about seeing these familiar architectural references recreated in Delhi. For a moment, it felt as though we had stepped into a different city altogether.
Other pandals celebrated the incredible bamboo craftsmanship of Assam. These were particularly interesting from a design perspective. The way bamboo could be bent, woven, layered and assembled into large architectural installations was impressive. A material so simple and natural had been transformed into something monumental.
Then there were pandals inspired by the streets of Kolkata themselves. They reminded me that the character of a city is not always found in its grand monuments. Sometimes, it is in the everyday streets, the small shops, the old buildings and the ordinary details that people have lived with for generations.
As I walked around with my camera, I found myself photographing not just the idols but also the structures surrounding them. The textures, the craftsmanship, the repetitions, the compositions and even the smallest decorative elements deserved attention.
These were not simply temporary festival decorations. They were architectural installations, created to tell stories.
There is a different kind of beauty to Durga Puja in the morning.
The festival is often associated with grand evening illuminations, music and thousands of visitors moving between pandals. But mornings offer something else.
They allow you to slow down.
We could take our time exploring the installations, observing the idols, looking closely at the materials and noticing the craftsmanship without feeling rushed.
And, of course, we could enjoy the experience together as a family.
That is one of the things I love most about photography. It encourages you to become more observant. You start noticing the way natural light falls on an idol, how shadows create depth in a bamboo installation or how a beautifully arranged composition can make an ordinary corner look extraordinary.
Some moments are worth photographing because they are visually beautiful. Others are worth photographing simply because of how they make you feel.
This morning had plenty of both.
Old Delhi During Dussehra: Where Tradition Meets Art
While CR Park brings the spirit of Kolkata to Delhi, Old Delhi celebrates the same festive season with an entirely different energy. The narrow lanes become incredibly crowded, filled with people, colours, sounds and excitement as everyone gathers for Dussehra. What fascinates me most is the art of Ravan making, where skilled artisans spend weeks creating towering effigies of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran using bamboo, paper, cloth and vibrant colours. These enormous figures are not merely festival decorations; they represent generations of craftsmanship, patience and storytelling. As the celebrations reach their peak, thousands gather to witness Ravan Vadh, the dramatic burning of the effigies symbolising the victory of good over evil. The atmosphere becomes almost overwhelming, with packed streets, cheering crowds and fireworks lighting up the sky. Through a photographer's lens, it is fascinating to see how two celebrations happening in the same city can express such different forms of creativity. While CR Park celebrates Durga Puja through intricate pandals and artistic installations, Old Delhi transforms Dussehra into a spectacular display of traditional craftsmanship, theatre and collective celebration.
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