Durga Puja has always been one of the most special times of the year for me. It is not just a festival. It is a deep emotional connection. I grew up in Assam and often visited Kolkata during Puja. The beats of dhaak surrounded me. I smelled the fragrance of dhuno. Joy filled every corner of the streets when Maa Durga arrived.
But this year, everything was different. Now that I live in Punjab, this was my first Durga Puja away from home. I was far from the pandals of Assam. I also missed the festive chaos of Kolkata. I wanted to experience that energy once more. Therefore, I decided to visit Kalibari Temple, Industrial Area Phase II, Chandigarh – 160002.
🕉️ Durga Puja at Kalibari Temple, Chandigarh
When I reached Kalibari Temple in Industrial Area Phase II, I was greeted by a colorful crowd and festive lights. The temple was glowing with decorations. The sound of dhaak filled the air. People from different communities had gathered to celebrate together.
It felt heartwarming to see so many devotees coming together to offer prayers to Maa Durga right here in Chandigarh. Even though I was hundreds of kilometers away from my home in Assam, I instantly felt a sense of peace.
🙏 The Experience: Peaceful, Yet Different
If I’m being honest, it didn’t feel like the Durga Puja I grew up with in Assam or Kolkata.
Back home, Puja is not just an event — it’s an emotion that takes over the entire city. Every lane has a pandal, every night is filled with light, music, and devotion. The celebrations in Assam and Kolkata feel grand, emotional, and deeply cultural.
In Chandigarh, it was different. The celebration at Kalibari Temple felt simpler and smaller — more like a mela (fair). There were stalls, food counters, lights, and people enjoying themselves. However, the atmosphere wasn’t as intense. It also was not as spiritually charged as what I’ve experienced before.
Still, there was something beautiful in that simplicity. The devotees were kind, the prayers were sincere, and the whole environment was peaceful. It reminded me that the presence of Maa Durga is not limited to one city or tradition. She’s everywhere her devotees are.
💫 A Festival Away from Home
Being far from Assam taught me something this Puja season —
Home isn’t always a place; sometimes it’s the feeling you create wherever you are.
It didn’t match the grand celebrations of Guwahati or Kolkata. However, I found my own little moment of connection here in Chandigarh. It wasn’t the same, but it was meaningful in its own way — calm, heartfelt, and peaceful.
📍 If You’re in Chandigarh During Durga Puja
If you’re looking to celebrate Durga Puja in Chandigarh, definitely visit:
🕉️ Kalibari Temple, Industrial Area Phase II, Chandigarh – 160002
You’ll find:
- Beautiful Durga idol and festive decorations
- Aarti and bhog distribution
- Bengali cultural programs and dance performances
- Traditional food stalls and a welcoming atmosphere
It might not be as grand as Kolkata or Guwahati. However, it’s a place filled with devotion, warmth, and a sense of togetherness.
🎥 Watch My Vlog
I captured my full experience — from the temple visit to my honest feelings about celebrating away from home — in this short vlog:
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