Kolkata Dussehra Mela 2025: A Complete Guide to Locations, Attractions, and Travel Plans

Sep 30, 2025

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Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, is renowned for its grand Dussehra celebrations, which seamlessly blend the triumph of good over evil with artistic grandeur. In 2025, the city is set to host some of the most spectacular Dussehra Melas, offering a rich tapestry of traditions, performances, and festivities. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on the top Dussehra Melas in Kolkata, including locations, special attractions for this year, previous winners, best routes, and travel plans to ensure you experience the festival to its fullest.

Top Dussehra Melas in Kolkata 2025

1. Salt Lake Central Park – Ravana Dahan Extravaganza

Location: Central Park, Salt Lake, Kolkata
Special Attraction 2025: The highlight of this year’s celebration is the burning of a towering 60-foot effigy of Ravana, accompanied by 50-foot effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhakaran. The event will feature sacred rituals, live performances, and a spectacular fire show, drawing over 25,000 attendees The Times of India.
Previous Winners: This event has been recognized for its grandeur and community engagement, earning accolades in previous years.
Why Visit: Ideal for those seeking a dramatic and traditional Dussehra experience with a massive effigy burning.

2. Red Road – Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman Carnival

Location: Red Road, Kolkata
Special Attraction 2025: The carnival will showcase 113 Durga Pujas honored with the prestigious Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman, celebrating the city’s cultural vibrance and artistic excellence. The awards were given based on criteria such as creativity, tradition, and community engagement The Times of India.
Previous Winners: Notable pujas like Ballygunge Cultural, Suruchi Sangha, and Sreebhumi have been recognized in the top category “Serar Sera.”
Why Visit: Perfect for visitors interested in experiencing the artistic brilliance and community spirit of Kolkata’s Durga Pujas.

3. Agarpara Tarapukur Adi Sarbojanin Durgotsav Committee

Location: Agarpara, North Kolkata
Special Attraction 2025: This year’s pandal recreates the grandeur of the Kumbh Mela, featuring an intricately carved entrance archway depicting the mythological churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), symbolizing the spiritual and cultural richness of the Kumbh Mela The Times of India.
Previous Winners: Known for their innovative themes, this committee has received recognition for artistic excellence in previous years.
Why Visit: Ideal for those interested in thematic pandals that blend religious symbolism with artistic craftsmanship.

Best Route and Travel Plan for Dussehra in Kolkata

To make the most of your visit to Kolkata during Dussehra 2025, consider the following itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and Salt Lake Central Park

Morning: Arrive in Kolkata and check into your hotel.
Afternoon: Visit the Salt Lake Central Park to witness the preparation for the Ravana Dahan event.
Evening: Attend the Ravana Dahan ceremony, featuring the burning of the massive effigies and a spectacular fire show.
Night: Enjoy a traditional Bengali dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Red Road Carnival and Pandal Hopping

Morning: Visit the Red Road to experience the Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman Carnival, showcasing the award-winning Durga Pujas.
Afternoon: Explore nearby pandals such as Ballygunge Cultural, Suruchi Sangha, and Sreebhumi to witness their artistic displays.
Evening: Continue pandal hopping to visit other notable pujas in the city.
Night: Relish street food delicacies like phuchka and kathi rolls.

Day 3: Agarpara Tarapukur Adi Sarbojanin Durgotsav Committee and Departure

Morning: Take a trip to Agarpara to visit the Kumbh Mela-themed pandal.
Afternoon: Explore the surrounding area and interact with locals to learn about the significance of the theme.
Evening: Return to Kolkata and prepare for departure.

Accommodation Options in Kolkata

Type	Recommendations
Luxury	Taj Bengal, Oberoi Grand
Mid-Range	The Peerless Inn, The Park Kolkata
Budget	Hotel Crestwood, Hotel Casa Fortuna

Travel Tips for Dussehra in Kolkata

Transportation: Kolkata is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport serves domestic and international flights, and the Howrah and Sealdah Railway Stations connect to major cities.
Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber are available for local travel. It’s advisable to negotiate fares or use metered services.
Weather: October in Kolkata is generally warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. Light cotton clothing is recommended.
Safety: Keep your belongings secure and be cautious in crowded areas. It’s advisable to travel in groups during late hours.

Previous Winners and Recognitions

Salt Lake Central Park: Recognized for its grandeur and community engagement in previous years.
Red Road Carnival: Notable pujas like Ballygunge Cultural, Suruchi Sangha, and Sreebhumi have been recognized in the top category “Serar Sera.”
Agarpara Tarapukur Adi Sarbojanin Durgotsav Committee: Known for their innovative themes and artistic excellence.

Summary Table of Dussehra Melas in Kolkata 2025

No	Mela Name	Location	Special Attraction 2025	Previous Winners	Best Time to Visit
1	Ravana Dahan Extravaganza	Salt Lake Central Park	60-foot Ravana effigy burning, fire show	Recognized for grandeur and engagement	Evening
2	Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman Carnival	Red Road	Showcase of award-winning Durga Pujas	Ballygunge Cultural, Suruchi Sangha, Sreebhumi	Afternoon
3	Kumbh Mela-themed Pandal	Agarpara	Pandal recreating Kumbh Mela grandeur	Known for innovative themes	Morning

Conclusion

Kolkata’s Dussehra Mela 2025 offers a unique blend of traditional rituals, artistic displays, and cultural festivities. Whether you’re interested in witnessing the grandeur of Ravana Dahan, exploring award-winning Durga Pujas, or experiencing thematic pandals, Kolkata has something to offer every visitor. Plan your trip accordingly to ensure a memorable and enriching experience.

Disclaimer:
This article provides information on the Dussehra Melas in Kolkata for the year 2025. All details, including dates, locations, and attractions, are based on available information and may be subject to change. Visitors are advised to verify event details locally before planning their visit.

About the author

I’m Himanshu Dhar, a dedicated MIS trainer proudly associated with I Turn Institute. My journey in the realm of data management and automation spans over 14 enriching years. My passion for this field extends to freelancing projects, where I bring real-world practicality into my teaching. My impact in education is marked by the success of over 25,000 students I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, hailing from diverse backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, I’ve had the honor of conducting corporate training sessions and seminars, catering to the unique needs of businesses. Let’s unlock your potential together in the realm of data analysis and automation.