As Kolkata gears up for its most awaited cultural spectacle—Durga Puja 2025—a unique prelude is already turning heads. From September 18 to 22, the city’s Alipore Museum will host the fourth edition of the Preview Show of Durga Puja Art, a pioneering exhibition that brings the magic of the pandals under one roof. This immersive experience offers early access to the season’s most imaginative installations, while spotlighting Bengal’s grassroots artisans and pushing the boundaries of accessibility and global engagement.
Here’s a deep dive into what makes this year’s exhibition a must-visit cultural moment.
1. A Glimpse of the Grand Before the Crowd
- The Preview Show, curated by Kolkata-based socio-cultural collective MassArt, offers a rare chance to experience the artistry of Durga Puja without the festival rush
- Visitors can explore scaled-down recreations and conceptual displays of 24 iconic pandals, each themed around mythology, social commentary, or architectural fantasy
- This initiative has gained international acclaim since its debut in 2022, praised for transforming Kolkata’s street art into a curated gallery experience
2. Accessibility Takes Center Stage
- In a landmark collaboration with UNESCO and IIT Kharagpur, the 2025 edition introduces a comprehensive accessibility programme
- Key features include tactile models for visually impaired visitors, multilingual audio guides, and inclusive design layouts to ensure barrier-free navigation
- This initiative aligns with UNESCO’s recognition of Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, emphasizing inclusivity in cultural celebration
3. The Autumn Art Fair: Bengal’s Craft Renaissance
- A new addition this year is the Autumn Art Fair, a curated marketplace showcasing handcrafted works inspired by the pandals
- Artisans from Kumartuli and other craft hubs will present collectible pieces ranging from clay figurines and textile art to contemporary interpretations of traditional motifs
- The fair aims to bridge local talent with global platforms, with plans to connect participating artists to events like the India Art Fair, Art Dubai, and Art Basel
4. Cultural Storytelling Meets Strategic Impact
- Each installation at the exhibition is accompanied by narrative panels that decode the symbolism, process, and community effort behind the pandals
- Visitors can engage with interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and storytelling sessions that celebrate the emotional and cultural depth of Durga Puja
- The exhibition also features a special segment on sustainable practices in pandal-making, highlighting eco-conscious materials and techniques
5. Who Should Visit and Why
- Art lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and first-time visitors to Kolkata will find this exhibition a perfect primer to the city’s festive spirit
- For families and educators, the show offers a rich learning experience about Bengal’s heritage, craftsmanship, and community-driven creativity
- Industry professionals and collectors can discover emerging talent and explore collaborations with local artisans
6. Dates, Venue, and Entry
- The exhibition runs from September 18 to 22, 2025, at the Alipore Museum, Kolkata
- Entry is free for students and senior citizens, with nominal charges for general visitors
- Guided tours and curated walkthroughs are available on prior registration
This pre-Puja exhibition is more than a preview—it’s a celebration of Kolkata’s soul, where tradition meets innovation, and local voices find global resonance. Whether you’re a seasoned pandal-hopper or a curious newcomer, this is your chance to witness the artistry, emotion, and vision that define Durga Puja—before the dhak beats begin.
Sources: Outlook Traveller, WanderOn, The Wander Therapy
