On September 30, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Chittaranjan Park (CR Park) in South Delhi to partake in the Durga Puja celebrations on the auspicious occasion of Maha Ashtami. CR Park, often referred to as ‘Delhi’s Mini Bengal,’ is renowned for its vibrant Durga Puja festivities, which attract thousands of devotees annually. This year’s visit was particularly significant as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of three prominent Durga Puja pandals in the area namely Cooperative Ground, B Block, and Mela Ground.
A historic celebration
Credit: X/ PM Narendra Modi
These 50th anniversary pandals were a milestone in the cultural tapestry of CR Park. Having been founded in the early 70s, the pandals have been the heart of Bengali cultural expression within the city of Delhi, featuring rich decorations, traditional practices, and involvement of the people. They have since the decades developed into big festivals, with thematic pandals, cultural shows and unity among the inhabitants. This golden jubilee affair was a tribute to the long history of the Bengali culture in the national capital.
PM Modi’s participation
X/ PM Narendra Modi
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also offered prayers at the Kali Bari temple and participated in the evening aarti at the pandal. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed, “Today, on the auspicious occasion of Maha Ashtami, I went to Delhi’s Chittaranjan Park to take part in the Durga Puja celebrations. Chittaranjan Park is known for its strong association with Bengali culture. The celebrations truly reflect the spirit of unity and cultural vibrancy in our society. Prayed for everyone’s happiness and wellbeing.”
Cultural significance
The visit of the Prime Minister has highlighted the necessity to protect and develop cultural traditions. It emphasised how community festivities helped bring different communities together and create awareness of each other. The cultural integration and the harmony of communities in cities can be emulated on the example of CR Park Durga Puja with its rich cultural programs, traditional rituals, and community participation.These 50 years have seen the evolution of the Durga Puja celebrations of CR Park, which were initially simple community events, into large scale, thematic events, which come to be visited by people throughout Delhi and even their neighbouring states. The pandals have always been a display of superb artistry, with detailed clay idols, novel lighting effects, and decorations, both traditional and creative. The celebrations have over the decades been a stage where cultures have been performed such as classical dances, music recitals, drama which has helped in developing local talents and keeping the cultural spirit of the community alive.The visit of Prime Minister Modi to CR Park, during the 50th anniversary of the Durga Puja pandals was, in fact, a historic event that glorified the rich culture of the Bengali community in Delhi. It once again reminded the importance of cultural festivals in replacing the ties within society and in maintaining traditions. Since CR Park remains to be one of the localities of cultural lure, such festivals are significant in promoting unity and cultural appreciation in a diverse nation like India.
