✍️ By Rahul Goyal · Chandigarh Life
Quick answer: Kalibari is Chandigarh’s only Kali temple and the spiritual home of the city’s Bengali community, located near 3 BRD Air Force Station in Sector 47, Chandigarh. Founded in 1970 by priest Dr Haradhan Bhattacharjee on land donated by the Sarpanch of Burail village, it comes alive every Durga Puja and Kali Puja with idols commissioned from Kolkata artisans and genuine community festivities.
Our Best Temples in Chandigarh & Tricity round-up lists Kalibari as the city’s Bengali community temple — this page goes deeper into its history and exactly what happens here during Durga Puja.
History & Founding
Kalibari was established in 1970. Its founding priest, Dr Haradhan Bhattacharjee, built the temple on land donated by the Sarpanch of Burail village — the village whose land now borders much of south Chandigarh. It remains the only dedicated Kali temple in the city, and functions as both a place of worship and a cultural anchor for Chandigarh’s Bengali community, which is concentrated mainly in Sectors 31 and 47.
Durga Puja at Kalibari
Durga Puja is Kalibari’s biggest event of the year. The idols are commissioned specifically from artisans in Kolkata — Kalibari is even a source temple, sending idols onward to parts of Punjab and Haryana beyond Chandigarh itself. Celebrations run across the days of the puja, from Shashthi through to Bijoya Dashami, with cultural programmes — group songs, dance, variety shows, and staged Bengali plays — alongside the ritual worship. The temple also hosts Kali Puja and other major Bengali festivals through the year, plus charitable and socio-cultural activities, and keeps guest accommodation and parking for visitors.
Other Durga Puja Venues in Chandigarh
Kalibari isn’t the only Durga Puja venue in the city — Banga Bhawan, Sector 35-C (puja conducted by the Bangiya Sanskritik Sammilani) and Banga Bhawan, Sector 37 are the other two major centres. For the full picture of Durga Puja dates and rituals across the tricity, see our dedicated Durga Puja (Ashtami/Navami) in Chandigarh guide.
Visiting Kalibari
Kalibari is located near 3 BRD Air Force Station, Sector 47, Chandigarh, 160047. It’s open to all visitors, not just the Bengali community, and is worth a visit even outside festival season for its quieter, contemplative atmosphere.
FAQ’s
Where is Kalibari temple in Chandigarh?
Kalibari is located near 3 BRD Air Force Station, Sector 47, Chandigarh, 160047.
When was Kalibari Chandigarh founded?
In 1970, by founding priest Dr Haradhan Bhattacharjee, on land donated by the Sarpanch of Burail village.
Is Kalibari the only Durga Puja venue in Chandigarh?
No — Banga Bhawan, Sector 35-C (run by the Bangiya Sanskritik Sammilani) and Banga Bhawan, Sector 37 also host major Durga Puja celebrations.
Where do Kalibari’s Durga Puja idols come from?
They are commissioned from artisans in Kolkata. Kalibari also supplies idols onward to parts of Punjab and Haryana.
