Written by Sampurnaa Koner
Durga Puja in Kolkata is more than a festival—it is an emotion. The vibrant pandals, the rhythmic beats of dhaks, the fragrance of dhuno, and the joy of pandal-hopping create a celebration of art, devotion, and community. Millions take to the streets to witness the dazzling artistry of the pandals and the majestic idols. This year, however, the spirit of Pujo takes on a digital avatar.
Thanks to ThePujaApp, people can now experience Durga Puja virtually, bringing the grandeur of Kolkata’s most iconic celebration straight to their screens. Whether you live in the city or anywhere else in the world, the app allows you to immerse yourself in the magic of Durga Puja without leaving your home.
Virtual Durga Puja Tours for All
ThePujaApp’s digital initiative caters to everyone who wishes to enjoy pandal-hopping while avoiding the crowds. It is particularly beneficial for senior citizens, people with physical disabilities, and pregnant women, ensuring they too can witness the beautifully crafted pandals. By seamlessly blending tradition with technology, the app opens the doors of Durga Puja to every corner of the globe.
ThePujaApp is not new—it began its journey in 2013 when Soumyaditya Mukherjee and Arpan Chatterjee founded the platform with a vision to showcase Kolkata’s Durga Puja to the world. Their work earned recognition as the 360 VR partner for “DurgaPujaArt,” a UNESCO-recognized initiative.
For its 360-degree tours, ThePujaApp collaborates with different organizations each year for an immersive cultural experience. Last year, it had collaborated with Shyam Steel and Bharat Chakra Club. Over the past decade, the app has archived more than 300 pandals from nearly 100 organizers, building a vast digital heritage of the festival.
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In 2024, over 50 of Kolkata’s top pandals were captured in Ultra HD for interactive 360° tours, accessible via any internet browser. To date, ThePujaApp’s virtual experiences have reached more than 5 million screens across 5,000 towns and cities in 180 countries.
‘Dekhbe Shara Duniya’ – In the Words of the Co-Founders
Speaking about the inspiration, co-founder Soumyaditya Mukherjee said, “The inspiration really came from the urge to show the world something that’s so close to this city and to Bengalis — our festival, Durga Puja. This celebration isn’t just another event, it’s something that can stand shoulder to shoulder with, and even outshine, any festival in the world. For ten days, Kolkata turns into this massive living, breathing art gallery. That magic is something we felt should be shared with everyone. That’s where the thought began. Dekhbe Shara Duniya (the whole world will get to see).”
Explaining the technology, Mukherjee added, “We use Advanced VR Technology to bring pandal-hopping as close to real life as possible. Every pandal is captured in high resolution with specialized cameras, so people can explore every detail of the ambience, the lights, and the artistry — almost like they’re standing there in person. It’s a web application — no app download, no payment. Just open it on your phone or computer and you’re in.”
This year, ThePujaApp will once again feature more than 50 Durga Puja pandals of Kolkata. While keeping some details under wraps, Mukherjee teased, “We’re also working on something completely new. Can’t reveal it just yet, but keeping it a surprise will only make the excitement bigger.”
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Clarifying how the tours work, he noted, “Right now, ThePujaApp offers 360° interactive tours. That means you can step inside a pandal virtually, move around, look in every direction, and take in all the details.”
On the audience response so far, Mukherjee shared, “The response has been so heartwarming. People from Kolkata, across India, and even Bengalis abroad have been so enthusiastic. Many tell us that ThePujaApp made them feel close to Durga Puja even when they couldn’t be here in person.”
Looking to the future, the co-founders aim to collaborate with more Puja committees each year, improve technology, and make the platform even more immersive and accessible. “At the heart of it all, our dream is simple—no matter where someone lives, they should never feel away from Durga Puja. That connection should always be there. Pujo is for all of us, and it should be celebrated together,” Mukherjee concluded.
(Sampurnaa Koner is an intern with The Theorist)
