Announced by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal, alongside the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Kolkata Police, the Devi Durga Samman 2026 honours have been declared. Here is a round-up of the city’s winning pandals.
Best of the Best (Serar Sera)
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Santosh Mitra Square claimed top honours in Serar Sera, captivating visitors with its grand architectural scale and intricate artistic setup through its theme, ‘Vande Mataram’. Brindaban Garden Durgapuja Samity took second place with a mesmerising thematic layout, while Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durgotsab Samity placed third for its traditional heritage design through the theme Anubhuti (Beyond Sound).
Best Idol (Sera Protima)
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Mudiali Club secured first place in idol artistry, featuring a breathtaking idol crafted with finesse for their theme Oitijhyer Lok-Kotha (Folklore of Heritage). Tala Barowari Durgotsab Samity took second place for its striking detail through the theme Durgabari, while Behala Arunadoy Samity placed third and Ahiritola Sarbajanin took fourth, both praised for expressive traditional sculpting.
Best Pandal (Sera Mandap)
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In structural magnificence, 25 Pally Club, Khidirpur, grabbed top position with an immersive, beautifully crafted pavilion design. Amra Kojon Kalyan Samity bagged second place, impressing pandal-hoppers with innovative spatial planning and detailed material craftsmanship.
Best Lighting (Sera Alosajja)
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Santoshpur Avenue South illuminated the night sky the best to win first place in light art. Bakulbagan Sarbajanin Durgotsab earned second place for its subtle ambient glow, while Shivmandir Sarbajanin Durgatsav placed third with dynamic light sequences weaving into its artwork.
Best Eco-Friendly (Sera Paribesh Bandhab)
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Nalin Sarkar Street Sarbojanin Durgotsab led the eco-conscious movement by winning top honours with sustainable installation materials. Allen Park on Park Street secured second place, and Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha placed third, proving that festive art can blend seamlessly with green practices.
Best Social Awareness (Sera Samaj Sachetanata)
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Kashi Bose Lane Durga Puja Samity held first place in the list for the theme Adim. Ballygunge Cultural Association and Chakraberiya Sarbojonin were also on the list. Ajeya Sanhati also won for their theme Sarvangsaha (The Endurance), an ode to patience, strength, and the enduring nature of Mother Earth and women facing societal trials.
Special Award (Bisesh Purashkar)
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Recognised for overall festive excellence, B.G.Lines Abasik Durga Puja Committee led the special award category. Shyam Square, Thakurpukur State Bank Sarbojanin (SB Park), and Samaj Sebi Sangha also earned high praise for their theme centred on Uttam Kumar’s birth centenary.