Patna, October 3, 2026: Durga Puja is set to bring a spectacular transformation to one of Patna’s busiest landmarks this year. The iconic Dak Bungalow Crossing is preparing to host a Khajuraho temple-inspired Durga Puja pandal, which is expected to become one of the major attractions of the city’s festive season.
Organised by the Navyuvak Sangh Shree Durga Puja Samiti Trust, the pandal near Dak Bungalow Crossing is being designed to recreate the architectural grandeur associated with the historic Khajuraho temples. According to organisers, the structure will be approximately 80 feet high and 55 feet wide.
A Pandal Inspired by Khajuraho
The theme this year takes inspiration from Khajuraho’s distinctive temple architecture and intricate artistic detailing.
Experts from Kanthi in West Bengal are involved in the construction, while the design has been prepared by Ritesh Chatterjee, an artist associated with Kolkata Art College.
Organisers are using materials including jute bags, fibre, coloured stones, silk threads and leaves to create a temple-like appearance for the structure.
The idea is to combine the religious atmosphere of Durga Puja with India's architectural heritage, giving visitors something beyond a conventional pandal experience.
12 Grand LED Gates to Welcome Visitors
The experience will reportedly begin even before visitors reach the main pandal.
As many as 12 large LED gates are planned along the stretch between Dak Bungalow Crossing and Kotwali. Each gate is expected to be around 57 feet high and 35 feet wide.
The gates will feature different visual themes, including elements inspired by the Jagannath Puri Temple, peacocks, butterflies, neon
More Than Just the Main Pandal
The organisers are also planning several artistic installations around the venue.
Among the attractions mentioned by the committee are representations of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishwakarma seated on an elephant, Lord Ganesha playing a damru and other imaginative installations designed to add to the festive atmosphere.
This year's decoration therefore aims to turn the entire Dak Bungalow stretch into a visual experience rather than limiting the attraction to the main pandal.
A Special Durga Idol From Kolkata
The Durga idol is being crafted by Kolkata-based artist Jagannath Pal, who has reportedly been making idols for the committee for around three decades.
The committee has also said that clay and water have been brought from places including Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh and the Hooghly river in Kolkata for the idol-making process.
Why Dak Bungalow Is a Major Durga Puja Attraction in Patna
Dak Bungalow Crossing has long been associated with Patna's grand Durga Puja celebrations. The area is known for its elaborate thematic pandals and attracts large crowds during the festive season.
The tradition of creating large, theme-based structures has helped make Dak Bungalow one of the places many Patna residents associate with Durga Puja celebrations.
This year's Khajuraho-inspired design continues
The tradition of creating large, theme-based structures has helped make Dak Bungalow one of the places many Patna residents associate with Durga Puja celebrations.
This year's Khajuraho-inspired design continues that tradition while bringing a different architectural theme to the city.
Over 500 Volunteers Expected to Manage the Crowd
With the pandal expected to attract a large number of visitors, crowd management will be an important part of the celebrations.
According to the organising committee, more than 500 volunteers will be involved in monitoring the stretch and helping manage visitors.
Patna’s Durga Puja Gets a Heritage Twist
From temple-inspired architecture to elaborate LED gates and a specially crafted idol, the Dak Bungalow Durga Puja celebrations are shaping up to be one of the city's major festive attractions in 2026.
For Patna residents, the biggest attraction may not just be the grandeur of the pandal, but the experience of seeing Khajuraho-inspired architecture recreated in the heart of the city.
As Durga Puja approaches, Dak Bungalow is preparing to turn into one of Patna's most photographed festive destinations.
