By — Dilip Guha
Delhi Tourism is organising a series of Spiritual and Heritage Walks at Chittaranjan Park (CR Park) during the Durga Puja celebrations, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the rich traditions, spirituality, cuisine, music, art and community life of Delhi’s Bengali community.
Popularly known as “Mini Bengal”, CR Park transforms during Durga Puja with elaborately crafted idols, thematic pandals, traditional rituals, aarti, the beats of dhak, cultural performances, bhog preparation, Bengali cuisine and handicrafts. The initiative seeks to present these traditions as part of Delhi’s vibrant and diverse cultural heritage.
The programme reflects Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta’s vision of “Dilli Sabki Hai” and the leadership of Tourism Minister Shri Kapil Mishra to promote Delhi as an inclusive and globally recognised tourism destination. Through the walks, visitors will be introduced to the living heritage of the Bengali community through curated storytelling, heritage interpretation and interaction with residents.
A special walk for influencers was organised at CR Park on October 7, enabling digital creators to experience and document the area’s cultural character, including its Puja traditions, food, music, craftsmanship and community participation.
The curated walks will cover the history and evolution of CR Park and the Kali Mandir Society, idol-making and craftsmanship associated with Kumartuli, traditional Puja rituals, bhog preparation, eco-friendly visarjan practices, prominent pandals, Bengali markets, cuisine and music. The walks will be held during the pre-Puja and Puja period, including October 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18 and 19.
Designed as an experience beyond conventional sightseeing, the walks aim to connect visitors with the stories, spirituality, traditions and everyday cultural life of CR Park. The initiative is also expected to strengthen the neighbourhood’s position as an important Spiritual and Heritage Tourism destination in Delhi.
The walks are available at a nominal fee of Rs 500 plus GST per person and are aimed at showcasing Delhi as a city where diverse communities, cultures and traditions come together, reflecting the spirit of “Dilli Sabki Hai.”
