Durga Puja Awards 2026: Celebrating Creativity and Excellence

History of the Durga Puja Awards

The Durga Puja Awards were established to recognize the hard work, creativity, and dedication of organizers, artists, and volunteers during the annual Durga Puja celebrations. Over the years, these awards have grown to become one of the most prestigious recognitions in Kolkata, highlighting not only traditional artistry but also innovative contributions to cultural festivities.

Categories and Eligibility

The Durga Puja Awards feature multiple categories to honor excellence in various aspects of the festival. Categories include:

• Best Pandal Design

• Best Idol Craftsmanship

• Best Lighting and Decoration

• Community Engagement Award

Eligibility is open to all Puja committees registered with local authorities. Each entry is evaluated on creativity, attention to detail, and overall community impact.

2024 Durga Puja Awards Categories

The prestigious awards for 2024 include:

• UltraTech 7 Wonders of Durga Puja 2024 – Celebrating the most spectacular pandals in the city

• Berger Priyo Pujo 2024 – Honoring the people’s favorite Puja

• Times Sharad Shrestha 2024 – Recognizing innovative artistry and design

• CESC True Spirit Puja 2024 – Award for electrifying creativity and energy

• Anandabazar Patrika Sharod Arghya 2024 – Recognizing exceptional cultural contributions

• News18 Bangla Pujo Awards 2024 – Celebrating the finest community efforts

• Pratidin Pujo Perfect 2024 – For the most perfectly organized Puja

• ABP Sharad Ananda 2024 – Recognizing outstanding cultural presentations

• Zee 24 Ghanta Sharad Annoo 2024 – For popular excellence in festival celebration

• Asian Paints Sharad Samman 2024 – Honoring extraordinary design and decor

• Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman 2024 – Celebrating heritage and local craftsmanship

• TV9 Bangla Pujo Awards 2024 – Recognizing community-focused Pujas

• Impact Sharad Ananda 2024 – For innovation and cultural impact

• Kolkata Shree – KMC 2024 – Official municipal recognition for excellence

• Snowcem Pujo Perfect 2024 – Awarding structural and visual perfection

• The Telegraph Hand in Hand 2024 – Recognizing teamwork and collaboration

• Exide – Aami Sharad Shrestha Samman 2024 – For sustainable and eco-friendly Pujas

• Nerolac Shera Para Shera Pujo 2024 – Celebrating the best neighborhood Pujas

These awards not only honor creativity and craftsmanship but also encourage community involvement, motivating Puja committees to bring innovation and cultural excellence to every celebration.

How the Durga Puja Awards Winners Are Selected

A panel of judges carefully evaluates each entry based on specific criteria:

• Creativity and Innovation: Unique themes and artistic approaches

• Craftsmanship: Quality of idols, decorations, and overall presentation

• Community Involvement: Efforts to engage and benefit the local community

Public voting may also be incorporated to ensure that the community’s voice is considered in the final decision. This combination of expert evaluation and public opinion ensures a fair and comprehensive selection process for the Durga Puja Awards.

Past Notable Winners of the Durga Puja Awards

Over the years, several Puja committees have stood out for their exceptional contributions. Notable winners include:

• XYZ Pandal Committee – Best Pandal Design 2024

• ABC Artists Group – Best Idol Craftsmanship 2023

• Local Community Club – Community Engagement Award 2025

Recognizing these winners inspires others to push the boundaries of creativity and community service in future Durga Puja celebrations.

Why the Durga Puja Awards Matter

The Durga Puja Awards play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, motivating creativity, and fostering a sense of community. By acknowledging the efforts of organizers, artists, and volunteers, these awards encourage excellence and innovation every year, ensuring that Durga Puja remains a vibrant and celebrated festival across Kolkata.

How to Participate in the Durga Puja Awards

To participate, Puja committees can register online through the official Durga Puja Awards portal. All submissions should include photographs, videos, and descriptions of the pandal or idol. The selection committee then reviews all entries and announces winners ahead of the festival finale.