Varanasi’s Durga Puja pandals dazzle with patriotic themes this Navratri, featuring tricolour designs, soldier depictions, and even a BrahMos missile display. With 512 pandals across the city, the celebrations combine devotion, culture, and national pride in grand style.
Varanasi, one of the holiest cities of India, has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub this Navratri, resembling the festive grandeur of West Bengal. The city’s Durga Puja pandals have become a major attraction, not only for their traditional religious essence but also for their creative and patriotic themes that are drawing massive crowds.
This year, pandals across Varanasi have been designed with unique inspirations, reflecting both spiritual devotion and national pride. At Sanatan Dharma Inter College, the pandal has been modelled after the famous Khatu Shyam Temple, while another at Bathua Market replicates the architecture of the Maa Chamundeshwari Devi Temple. These intricate designs showcase the rich blend of cultural artistry and religious fervor that mark the essence of Durga Puja.
Inside these pandals, the grandeur takes on a patriotic tone. Soldiers painted in the tricolour flank the idol of Goddess Durga, reminding visitors of the sacrifices made by the armed forces. The sight of Maa Durga, the ultimate symbol of Shakti, surrounded by depictions of Indian soldiers, is leaving devotees deeply moved. Adding to the spectacle, a BrahMos missile has been displayed prominently near one of the pandals, making it a centerpiece of attraction. The imposing presence of India’s pride in defence technology is mesmerizing onlookers and underlines the spirit of patriotism alongside devotion.
At Lahartara, the creativity reached new heights with a pandal entirely dedicated to the armed forces. Constructed entirely with the tricolour, it stands as a tribute to India’s soldiers and their unwavering commitment to protecting the nation. For many visitors, this fusion of religious devotion with patriotic themes has made this year’s celebrations in Varanasi especially memorable.
The festive fervor intensified with the onset of Maha Saptami, which fell on September 29 this year. According to the Hindu calendar, the Saptami Tithi began on September 28 at 2:27 PM and concluded on September 29 at 4:31 PM, during the Shukla Paksha of the Ashwin month. The day holds immense spiritual significance, marking the beginning of Maa Durga’s legendary battle against Mahishasura, the demon king. The battle symbolizes the eternal triumph of good over evil, culminating in victory on Vijaya Dashami.
On Saptami, devotees worship Maa Durga in her fierce manifestation as Kaalratri, a powerful form of Adi Shakti. Believed to remove fear, obstacles, and negativity, this form of the goddess is revered for bestowing courage and strength upon her devotees.
Speaking about the scale of the celebrations this year, Tilak Raj Mishra, President of the Central Puja Committee, Kashi Region, said, “Preparations are excellent. This is a VIP region, and the pandals have been decorated beautifully. This year, there are 512 pandals across the city.”
As the days of Ashtami and Navami follow, Varanasi is expected to witness even greater crowds. People from across Kashi and nearby districts are thronging these pandals to offer prayers, experience the artistic decorations, and celebrate the divine energy of Maa Durga. The festival will conclude with the immersion of the idols on the tenth day, Vijaya Dashami, symbolizing the goddess’s return to her celestial abode.
While Durga Puja is celebrated across India, it holds special cultural significance in Eastern states such as West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Tripura, where the festival is marked by massive pandals, cultural performances, and family gatherings. In Varanasi, however, the blend of tradition with patriotic themes has given the celebration a unique identity, resonating deeply with both residents and visitors.
| Also Read: Tripura supplies 45 MW to Bangladesh during Durga Puja: Power Minister |
This year’s Durga Puja in Varanasi is not just about devotion but also about honouring the nation. With tricolour pandals, soldier depictions, and the dazzling display of the BrahMos missile, the city has beautifully combined faith and patriotism—offering a celebration that inspires reverence for both the divine and the nation.
