Festival and celebrations

IIE DIGITAL: South City Mall is all set to make its debut in Kolkata's grand Durga Puja celebrations by introducing a new festive chapter with its first ever Khuti Puja ceremony. One of the city's most popular shopping destinations is preparing to welcome Maa Durga within its premises, marking a significant moment where modern urban space meets Kolkata's deep rooted cultural tradition.

According to the official announcement, South City Mall's Durgotsab preparations will begin on Thursday, 16th July 2026. The day will feature two important ceremonies. The Khuti Puja will take place at 12:00 PM (noon), followed by the Theme Banner Launch at 2:30 PM. Both events will be held at the mall premises itself.

The announcement has attracted attention because Khuti Puja is traditionally seen as a community ritual held inside neighbourhood clubs and local Puja grounds across Kolkata. However, South City Mall is bringing this age old tradition into a space that welcomes thousands of visitors every day, creating a unique blend of heritage and contemporary celebration.

The official banner carries the message "দুর্গা দুর্গা বলে যাত্রা শুরু", meaning the journey begins with the chant of Maa Durga's name. For South City Mall, which is organising Durga Puja for the first time, the phrase represents the beginning of a significant cultural journey.

Khuti Puja holds a special place in Durga Puja traditions as it officially marks the start of preparations. The ritual involves planting and worshipping a bamboo pole at the exact spot where the pandal will eventually be built. It is considered the moment when a Puja committee formally begins its journey towards the grand festival.

By following this traditional process instead of simply creating a festive attraction, South City Mall appears to be aiming for a celebration with a deeper cultural connection. The move suggests that the mall is looking beyond a one time event and hopes to establish a Durga Puja tradition that can continue for years.

The announcement states, "কলকাতার বুকে সকলের পরিচিত শপিং মল সাউথ সিটিতে হবে উমার আরাধনা", which translates to "In the heart of Kolkata, the well known South City shopping mall will now host the worship of Uma." The message reflects the mall's attempt to become a place of devotion and celebration rather than just a commercial destination during the festive season.

The order of events also highlights the importance of tradition. Beginning with Khuti Puja before revealing the theme banner follows the approach adopted by many established Puja committees across Kolkata, where rituals come before the creative presentation of the pandal.

The timing of the ceremony is also significant. Mid July is considered an important period in Kolkata's Puja calendar, with many committees choosing this phase to begin their preparations. By starting its Durgotsab journey during this auspicious period, South City Mall is becoming part of the city's long standing festive rhythm.

Kolkata's Durga Puja culture has constantly evolved over generations. From the grand celebrations of Bonedi Bari families to community based Sarbojanin Pujas and modern theme based extravaganzas, the festival has always adapted with the changing identity of the city.

South City Mall's entry into this tradition represents another step in that evolution. While details about the idol, theme, and artistic collaborations are yet to be revealed, the first Khuti Puja has already created curiosity among Puja lovers.

As South City Mall begins this new journey, it remains to be seen whether its Durga Puja will become another landmark celebration in Kolkata's vibrant festive landscape. However, the first step has already added a new story to the city's ever growing Durga Puja heritage.