Pune Kali Bari — Attraction in Pune

Durga Puja, a vibrant and widely celebrated Hindu festival, takes place annually in Kali Bari, Pune, bringing together the local Bengali community and enthusiasts from various backgrounds. The festival typically spans five days and honors Goddess Durga, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. In Kali Bari, the celebration features beautifully decorated pandals (temporary structures) that house the idols of Durga and her children: Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya.

The festival begins with Mahalaya, the day that marks the arrival of Goddess Durga to her maternal home. The major celebrations kick off from the sixth day, known as Shashthi, and continue until Dashami (Vijaya Dashami), when the idol is immersed in water, symbolizing the goddess’s return to Mount Kailash.

Kali Bari comes alive with a festive spirit during this period. The pandals showcase intricate artistry, and traditional rituals are performed every day. People from various communities visit the pandals to offer prayers, participate in the rituals, and enjoy cultural performances, including music, dance, and drama. The sound of dhak (traditional drums) and conch shells fills the air, enhancing the devotional atmosphere.

Durga Puja in Kali Bari is also known for its delectable food stalls offering Bengali delicacies like sweets (rosogolla, sandesh), street food (puchkas, rolls), and more, making it a cultural and...

Temple is well maintained. Mostly all Bengali festivals are celebrated here. But over the past years the temple has changed into a profit making organization. The committee members are extremely arrogant. They charge hefty sum for everything. Be it for offering any Poojo or bhog. For e.g this year for offering Ashtomi Pujo wherein the devotees carry sweets, saree themselves, they were charging min of 100/- as dakhshina. This is the first Bengali temple wherein I have seen this. Dakhshina is voluntary and amount is decided by devotee. They donot accept chanda less than 2000/-. Also, for bhog prosad( quantity was very less) they charge huge sum- 170/- for parcel and 120/- for eating in the premises. At the top of this the volunteers frisk you in between and ask if you have paid the 'Chanda'. They also ask to show the Chanda receipt. This is totally shameful act. Also the way their committee members treat the devotees is very bad. Bcoz of all this I don't feel like visiting the...

Visited with my family and children but was not allowed in . The young purohit said only if you offer puja are you allowed inside . I did not want to give in to his demand and said we only want a darshan , since I could spot two ladies already inside doing the same . But he simply refused and turned us away .I know the pandemic has hit revenues of temples ..... since when have you started putting a minimum spend/ charge for places of worship ? what makes you think i am not going to put something in the Hundi or is that too trivial an amount for you to sustain ?Absolutely shocking behaviour ! have seen this in Kalighat temple , Kolkata - these people are a menace . The Committee in charge are either ignorant or does not seem to care . Either you keep it open for all or completely closed due to the pandemic .... cannot have such discrimination in temples . Very poor experience ! Sincerely hope the PCB takes...