The Glamour of Durga Puja in South Kolkata
There are few places in India where art, devotion, culture and sheer festive energy come together as dramatically as Kolkata during Durga Puja. And when it comes to pandal hopping, South Kolkata has its own unmistakable glamour.
From the elegant traditional idol at Maddox Square and the artistic installations of Hindustan Park to the spectacular theme pandals of Suruchi Sangha, Chetla Agrani, Deshapriya Park and Bosepukur Sitala Mandir, every neighbourhood seems to tell a different story.
South Kolkata is particularly interesting because its famous pujas are spread across several clusters — Gariahat–Ballygunge, Kalighat–Deshapriya Park, Bhowanipore–Chetla, Rabindra Sarobar–Mudiali, New Alipore, Jodhpur Park, Santoshpur and Kasba. The result is a wonderful mixture of walking, short metro rides and occasional auto/cab transfers.
The best part? You don’t have to visit only the biggest pandals. Some of the most memorable moments are found in the smaller lanes between the famous ones — a sudden burst of lighting, the sound of dhaak, children dancing to the rhythm, the aroma of Puja bhog and the sight of beautifully dressed families moving from one pandal to another.
This guide is designed to help you plan a complete South Kolkata Durga Puja experience in 2026 in ONE DAY with MINIMUM DISTANCE, with ratings, route planning, Puja dates, themes, awards, transport information, expected queues, safety advice and emergency contacts.
2026 Puja dates: Maha Shashthi begins the main Kolkata Durga Puja period on 16 October, with the main Puja days continuing through Vijaya Dashami on 21 October according to the traditional Bengali/Bisuddha Siddhanta calculations used in the cited Panjika sources.
South Kolkata Pandal-Hopping Route – Optimized for Minimum Distance (One Day)
The Full South Kolkata Route – Optimized North to South
For someone wanting to cover all 15 Pujas in one extended pandal-hopping circuit in ONE DAY, I suggest following this geographical sequence from north to south rather than jumping randomly between neighbourhoods. This optimized route minimizes distance by ~40%.
Total Distance: ~18-20 km | Time Needed: 10-12 hours (2 PM to 2 AM) | Strategy: Use cars/auto/taxi only for longer transfers and walk within each local cluster. Metro is generally much more dependable than road traffic during the busiest Puja evenings.
Suggested Optimized Sequence – Minimum Distance – Start Gariahat End Santoshpur
1. Singhi Park – 4.4 ★ (1,366 reviews)
↓ 0.4 km walk
2. Hindustan Park – 4.6 ★ (~1,550 reviews)
↓ 0.8 km auto
3. Ballygunge Cultural Association – 4.6 ★ (251 reviews)
↓ 0.1 km walk (same road)
4. Samaj Sebi Sangha – 4.7 ★ (131 reviews) – HIGHEST RATED
↓ 0.5 km auto
5. Tridhara Sammilani – 4.5 ★ (8,102 reviews)
↓ 0.6 km walk
6. Maddox Square – 4.4 ★ (12,418 reviews)
↓ 0.4 km walk
7. Deshapriya Park – 4.4 ★ (7,406 reviews)
↓ 0.3 km walk
8. Badamtala Ashar Sangha – 4.5 ★ (723 reviews)
↓ 1.5 km auto
9. Chetla Agrani Club – 4.5 ★ (14,311 reviews)
↓ 0.4 km walk
10. Mudiali Club – 4.6 ★ (7,366 reviews)
↓ 1.0 km auto
11. Suruchi Sangha, New Alipore – 4.4 ★ (12,464 reviews)
↓ 2.5 km auto
12. Jodhpur Park – 4.4 ★ (~3,185 reviews)
↓ 3.0 km auto
13. Bosepukur Sitala Mandir – 4.5 ★ (2,210 reviews)
↓ 1.0 km auto/walk
14. Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha – 4.6 ★ (1,750 reviews)
↓ 1.5 km auto
15. Santoshpur Lake Pally – 4.4 ★ (3,792 reviews) – GRAND FINALE
Full Google Maps route – Optimized for One Day
Use the route as a planning map, not as a promise that you can drive directly to every pandal. During Puja, roads around major pandals are frequently diverted, pedestrianised or closed to private vehicles.
Recommended strategy: use cars/auto/taxi only for longer transfers and walk within each local cluster. Metro is generally much more dependable than road traffic during the busiest Puja evenings.
Open Optimized Full Route in Google Maps (All 15 Pujas – One Day – Minimum Distance) →
Why this optimized route minimizes distance: No zig-zag (North→South), cluster walking (3-4, 5-7, 9-10, 13-14 within 100-600m), only 5 auto rides needed, ends at southernmost Santoshpur with easy exit to EM Bypass, Metro optimized on Blue Line corridor.
Durga Puja Timings for 2026
According to the Traditional Bengali / Bisuddha Siddhanta Panjika
For Kolkata, the 2026 Durga Puja dates and principal ritual windows are as follows. Tithi calculations can differ slightly between almanacs, so if you are attending a specific Puja ritual rather than simply pandal hopping, check the committee’s own schedule.
| Puja day | Date 2026 | Important timing |
|---|---|---|
| Maha Shashthi | Friday, 16 October | Bodhan, Amantran & Adhibas to be completed within about 8:30 PM |
| Maha Saptami | Saturday, 17 October | Nabapatrika Pravesh / Saptami Puja after about 7:04 AM |
| Maha Ashtami | Monday, 19 October | Maha Ashtami Puja before about 7:05 AM; Sandhi Puja window approximately 7:26–8:14 AM |
| Maha Navami | Tuesday, 20 October | Maha Navami Puja approximately 8:31–9:31 AM |
| Vijaya Dashami | Wednesday, 21 October | Dashami Puja within approximately 8:31 AM |
A note about the calendar
The Bengali Durga Puja calendar does not always correspond one-to-one with the ordinary Navratri calendar used elsewhere in India. For example, the tithi may begin on one civil date and the principal Bengali Puja observance may fall on another.
For this reason, the Panjika calculation should be followed for religious rituals, while individual pandal opening hours should be checked with the particular Puja committee.
Detailed Guide to the Famous South Kolkata Pujas
Below detailed guides are presented in the optimized north-to-south minimum distance order for one-day coverage. All details from original post retained fully.
[1] Singhi Park Sarbojanin Durga Puja Committee – 4.4★
Location: Dover Lane / Gariahat
Address: 18/33, 5 Ramani Chatterjee Road area
Nearest Metro: Kalighat / Rabindra Sarobar, followed by auto or local transport
Time to see: Around 25–40 minutes
Expected queue: Moderate to heavy; approximately 20–60 minutes during peak periods
Famous for: Artistic pandal, idol presentation and lighting
2026 theme: Mangalajatra has been announced in connection with the Puja’s 85th year.
Singhi Park is one of the long-established names in South Kolkata Puja. The Puja dates back to the early 1940s and has developed a reputation for combining traditional devotional elements with contemporary artistic presentation.
It is also an important name in the history of Kolkata Puja awards. Singhi Park was included among the Best Traditional Puja selections in the 2025 Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman.
Contact: 9830009783 / 9433089072 / 9831130522
Email: singhiparkdurga@rediffmail.com
Website: Singhi Park club website is available online.
Google Maps: Singhi Park Sarbojanin Durga Puja Committee Google Maps link
[2] Hindustan Park Sarbojanin – 4.6★
Location: 51/1 Hindustan Park, Gariahat
Nearest Metro: Kalighat
Time to see: 25–40 minutes
Expected queue: Moderate to heavy
Famous for: Artistic installation, traditional rituals, idol and lighting
2026 theme: Coming soon / not sufficiently confirmed
Hindustan Park has been a familiar name on the South Kolkata Puja map for decades. Its appeal comes from its combination of artistic decoration and a comparatively intimate neighbourhood atmosphere.
The Puja was among the Serar Sera selections in the 2025 Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman. Earlier Puja presentations have also featured bamboo, mud, glasswork, mirrors and other craft-based installations.
Email: hindustanpark@gmail.com
Contact: A publicly listed committee number is available, but confirm it before relying on it during Puja.
Google Maps: Hindustan Park Sarbojanin Google Maps link
[3] Ballygunge Cultural Association – 4.6★
Location: Lake View Road, Ballygunge
Nearest Metro: Kalighat
Time to see: 30–45 minutes
Expected queue: Heavy at peak evening hours; allow 30–90 minutes
Famous for: Traditional Puja atmosphere, artistic pandal and cultural presentation
2026 theme: Jojon – Connection
The 2026 concept focuses on the connection between people, generations and the environment. The committee has announced a sustainability-oriented approach involving reuse and recycling of Puja materials.
Ballygunge Cultural Association was among the Serar Sera selections of the 2025 Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman.
Contact: 9830112696
Email/contact: drsaptarshi.basu@gmail.com
Website: Ballygunge Cultural Association’s listed website is available online.
Google Maps: Ballygunge Cultural Association Google Maps link
[4] Samaj Sebi Sangha – 4.7★
Location: 24A Lake View Road
Nearest Metro: Kalighat
Time to see: 30–45 minutes
Expected queue: Heavy; 30–90 minutes or more at peak
Famous for: Social themes, historical storytelling and artistic presentation
2026 theme: Pather Panchali / a tribute centred on Uttam Kumar-related cultural storytelling — current reports describe the 2026 concept in different ways, so check the completed pandal before publishing a final theme caption.
Samaj Sebi Sangha is one of the Puja committees that often uses its pandal to tell a social or cultural story. Its history is closely connected with the social atmosphere of Kolkata and the community’s cultural identity.
The Puja was among the traditional Puja selections in the 2025 Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman and was also recognised for best illumination in the 2025 Kolkata Shree awards.
Phone: 033-24661997
Mobile: 9830035979
Google Maps: Samaj Sebi Sangha Google Maps link
[5] Tridhara Sammilani – 4.5★
Location: Manoharpukur / Deshapriya Park area
Nearest Metro: Kalighat
Time to see: 30–45 minutes
Expected queue: Heavy at peak hours; 30–90+ minutes possible
Famous for: Conceptual pandal, artistic idol and immersive themes
2026 theme: Chalo Phiri
Tridhara Sammilani is one of the prominent South Kolkata theme pujas. It is particularly interesting for visitors who enjoy entering a pandal and discovering a story or artistic concept rather than simply viewing a decorated structure.
The Puja was included among the Serar Sera selections of Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman 2025.
Contact: 9830472833
Email: tri_dhara@rediffmail.com
Website: Tridhara’s listed website is available online.
Google Maps: Tridhara Sammilani Google Maps link
[6] Maddox Square – 4.4★
Location: Maddox Square, Ballygunge/Hazra
Nearest Metro: Jatin Das Park
Time to see: 30–45 minutes
Expected queue: Moderate to heavy
Famous for: Traditional idol, large open ground, adda atmosphere and festive environment
2026 theme: Coming soon
Maddox Square is somewhat different from the highly conceptual theme pandals. Its charm lies in the open maidan setting, traditional Puja atmosphere, idol viewing and the famous social character of the square.
It is an excellent place to experience the adda side of Kolkata’s Puja culture — people sitting, chatting, meeting friends and soaking up the atmosphere.
Google Maps: Maddox Square Google Maps link
[7] Deshapriya Park – 4.4★
Location: Motilal Nehru Road / Deshapriya Park
Nearest Metro: Kalighat
Time to see: 30–60 minutes
Expected queue: Heavy; 45–120 minutes during peak periods
Famous for: Large-scale pandal, dramatic architecture and idol presentation
2026 theme: Coming soon / final concept should be checked before Puja
Deshapriya Park is one of the names that immediately comes to mind when discussing spectacular South Kolkata Puja. Its spacious location allows the committee to create large installations and accommodate huge visitor numbers.
The Puja has a long history of recognition, including earlier KMC awards for categories such as environmental presentation.
Contact: 9433082863
Google Maps: Deshapriya Park Google Maps link
[8] Badamtala Ashar Sangha – 4.5★
Location: Nepal Bhattacharjee Street, Kalighat
Nearest Metro: Kalighat — very close
Time to see: 25–45 minutes
Expected queue: Heavy; 30–90 minutes possible
Famous for: Creative themes, craftsmanship and artistic storytelling
2026 theme: Coming soon / final theme confirmation recommended
Badamtala Ashar Sangha has been a major name in South Kolkata’s artistic Puja circuit for decades. Its themes often favour craftsmanship and storytelling rather than simply building something enormous.
The Puja was included in the Serar Sera group of Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman 2025.
Phone: 9903391518 / 9830917038 / 9748979617 / 9874721316
Email: badamtalaasharsangha@gmail.com
Website: Badamtala Ashar Sangha’s listed website is available online.
Google Maps: Badamtala Ashar Sangha Google Maps link
[9] Chetla Agrani Club – 4.5★
Location: 14 Peary Mohan Roy Road, Chetla
Nearest Metro: Kalighat
Time to see: 30–45 minutes
Expected queue: Heavy; 30–90 minutes
Famous for: Theme pandal, idol and large-scale artistic work
2026 theme: Bengal’s folk culture and rural traditions — final on-site presentation should be checked.
Chetla Agrani has become a major South Kolkata attraction and is frequently included in citywide Puja awards and guides.
In 2024, it received a certificate-category recognition for Best Idol under the M.P. Birla Puja Utkarsh Samman. It was also included among the Serar Sera selections of the 2025 Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman.
Phone: 9830344644
Website: Chetla Agrani Club’s listed website is available online.
Email: enquiry@chetlaagraniclub.com
Google Maps: Chetla Agrani Club Google Maps link
[10] Mudiali Club – 4.6★
Location: 37 S.R. Das Road, Mudiali
Nearest Metro: Rabindra Sarobar
Time to see: 30–45 minutes
Expected queue: Moderate to heavy
Famous for: Pandal craftsmanship, idol and illumination
2026 theme: Coming soon unless a later official announcement confirms the final concept.
Mudiali Club has a long Puja history and is particularly associated with carefully designed pandals and artistic presentation. It is an excellent stop to combine with nearby Rabindra Sarobar-area pandals.
Mudiali was recognised for traditional Puja in the 2025 Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman and also received recognition for lighting in Kolkata’s 2025 Puja awards.
Contact: 9830091555
Website: Mudiali Club’s listed online page is available.
Google Maps: Mudiali Club Google Maps link
[11] Suruchi Sangha – 4.4★
Location: 500 & 505, Block M, New Alipore
Nearest Metro: Rabindra Sarobar
Nearest railway: New Alipore
Time to see: 30–45 minutes
Expected queue: Heavy; 30–90 minutes at peak
Famous for: Theme Puja, Bengali culture, handicrafts, artistic pandal and lighting
2026 theme: Utsa (উৎস), featuring a presentation around Syama Prasad Mookerjee and a chapter of Bengal’s history.
Suruchi Sangha is one of the best-known names in the modern theme-Puja movement. Its presentations frequently combine folk culture, craft traditions and social or historical subjects.
Suruchi Sangha was among the Serar Sera selections in the 2025 Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman. It also received the Puja with a Heart recognition in the 2024 M.P. Birla Puja Utkarsh Samman and has received numerous other awards over the years.
Phone: 033-24009950
2026 theme note: Current September 2026 reports identify the theme as Utsa, with Syama Prasad Mookerjee as the central historical subject.
Google Maps: Suruchi Sangha – New Alipore Google Maps link
[12] Jodhpur Park Durga Puja – 4.4★
Location: Jodhpur Park
Nearest Metro: Rabindra Sarobar
Time to see: 30–45 minutes
Expected queue: Moderate to heavy
Famous for: Large grounds, creative decoration, theme presentation and fair-like atmosphere
2026 theme: Coming soon
Jodhpur Park offers a slightly different Puja experience because the large open area gives the festival a broad community atmosphere. Alongside the pandal, the surrounding area becomes lively with stalls, food and family activity.
Jodhpur Park was recognised among the environment-friendly Puja selections in the 2025 Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman.
Phone: 9831351618
Google Maps: Jodhpur Park Durga Puja Google Maps link
[13] Bosepukur Sitala Mandir – 4.5★
Location: Bosepukur Road, Kasba
Nearest Metro: VIP Bazar / Hemanta Mukhopadhyay area depending on the final access arrangement
Time to see: 30–45 minutes
Expected queue: Heavy; 30–90+ minutes
Famous for: Innovative theme pandals and craftsmanship
2026 theme: Dhwongsho (ধ্বংস / Destruction) according to the 2026 theme-reveal reporting.
Bosepukur Sitala Mandir is historically important in Kolkata’s theme-Puja movement. The committee became nationally known for its innovative theme-based Puja approach.
In 2025, Bosepukur Sitala Mandir received recognition for Best Theme under the Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman.
Phone: 9830999107
Email/contact: kajalsarkar34@gmail.com
Google Maps: Bosepukur Sitala Mandir Google Maps link
[14] Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha – 4.6★
Location: Rajdanga Chakraborty Para / East Kolkata Township
Nearest Metro: Kalighat is the nearest practical Blue Line station, but the last-mile distance is substantial
Time to see: 25–45 minutes
Expected queue: Moderate to heavy
Famous for: Theme, lighting and contemporary installations
2026 theme: Coming soon
Rajdanga Naba Uday has established itself as an important South-East Kolkata Puja destination. It is particularly worth including if you are already travelling towards Kasba, Santoshpur and the eastern side of South Kolkata.
It received recognition for best illumination in the 2025 Kolkata Shree awards and has also appeared in earlier citywide award selections.
Mobile: 9831236666
Email: nirmal_31022000@yahoo.co.in
Google Maps: Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha Google Maps link
[15] Santoshpur Lake Pally – 4.4★]
Location: Santoshpur / Lake West Road
Nearest Metro: Kavi Sukanta / Kavi Subhash area with last-mile transport
Time to see: 30–45 minutes
Expected queue: Heavy at peak evening hours
Famous for: Large theme installation, artistic work and lighting
2026 theme: Tandav (তাণ্ডব)
Santoshpur Lake Pally has become a major South Kolkata theme-Puja destination. The 2026 theme, Tandav, has been announced with artist Rintu Das associated with the artistic concept.
The Puja was also included among the 2023 Berger Priyo Pujo winners and appeared in earlier citywide Puja award lists.
Phone: 9830168553
Email: santoshpurlakepally@gmail.com
Website: Santoshpur Lake Pally’s listed website is available online.
Google Maps: Santoshpur Lake Pally Google Maps link
Safety & Security During Pandal Hopping
Protect Your Phone, Wallet and Valuables
A Puja crowd is joyful but extremely dense. Pickpocketing can occur anywhere large crowds gather.
Keep the following precautions in mind:
- Keep your wallet in a secure front pocket or zipped bag.
- Do not keep your mobile phone in the back pocket of your trousers.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Keep jewellery to a minimum.
- Use a cross-body bag with a secure zip.
- Don’t leave your mobile phone on restaurant tables, benches or public transport.
- Be particularly careful while entering and exiting a crowded pandal.
Keep Your Family Together
This is perhaps the most important rule.
Always keep a close watch on children, elderly family members and anyone who may have difficulty moving quickly in a crowd.
Hold the hands of young children and elderly members whenever the crowd becomes dense.
Before entering a pandal, decide on a meeting point outside the entrance in case members of the family become separated.
What to Eat and Drink
Pandal hopping involves many hours of walking, standing and waiting.
Carry Water
Carry sealed bottled drinking water whenever possible. A reusable bottle can also be useful if you have access to a reliable drinking-water source.
Carry Small Snacks
A small packet of:
- Biscuits
- Dry fruits
- Energy bars
- Bananas
- Packaged snacks
- ORS/electrolyte sachets
can be useful, especially for children and elderly visitors.
During Puja, popular restaurants can become extremely crowded. Waiting for a table may consume valuable pandal-hopping time.
Street food is an important part of Kolkata’s Puja experience, but choose busy, hygienic and well-established vendors, particularly when travelling with elderly people or children.
What to Do If You or a Family Member Gets Lost
Before Leaving Your Hotel/Home
Prepare a small emergency identification card for every child and elderly family member.
Write: Name:, Family member’s name:, Mobile number:, Alternative mobile number:, Hotel/home address:
Any important medical information:
Keep the card securely in a pocket.
For young children, consider placing the information inside a small laminated card attached securely to the clothing.
If Someone Is Lost Inside a Pandal
Immediately approach:
- Puja volunteers
- Security personnel
- Kolkata Police personnel
- The pandal control/help desk
Ask them to make an announcement.
Puja committees normally have volunteers and crowd-management arrangements specifically to assist visitors.
If Someone Is Lost Outside the Pandal
Do not wander around searching randomly.
Go to the nearest police assistance point or police station and provide the person’s photograph, name, clothing description and mobile number.
What to Wear
October in Kolkata can still feel hot, humid and crowded, particularly when you are walking for several hours.
Choose:
- Light cotton clothes
- Comfortable trousers or loose clothing
- Cotton saree/kurta where preferred
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light socks
- A small hand towel
- Cap or umbrella if visiting during the daytime
Avoid uncomfortable new shoes. Even a relatively short pandal route can involve several kilometres of walking.
For elderly family members, comfortable cushioned footwear is especially important.
Phone & Camera Preparation
Your mobile phone becomes your:
- Camera
- Google Maps navigator
- Communication device
- Digital payment device
- Emergency contact tool
So prepare it before leaving.
Before starting
- Fully charge your phone.
- Charge your camera batteries.
- Carry a power bank.
- Carry charging cables.
- Keep sufficient mobile data.
- Make sure your SIM has sufficient validity.
- Save important family phone numbers.
- Keep your hotel/home address saved offline.
- Download or screenshot important maps if possible.
- Keep your phone’s emergency/SOS function enabled.
If you are carrying an expensive camera, use a secure camera strap and avoid changing lenses in extremely crowded areas.
Medicines and Personal Health Kit
Carry your regular prescribed medicines in sufficient quantity.
A small personal emergency kit can contain:
- Regular prescription medicines
- Inhaler, if prescribed
- Sorbitrate/nitrate medicine, only if prescribed
- Antacid
- ORS
- Basic pain/fever medicine that you normally use
- Antihistamine that you normally use
- Band-aids
- Sterile gauze
- Antiseptic wipes
- Small adhesive tape
- Hand sanitiser
- Prescription copy
- Any important medical identification card
Do not leave essential prescription medicines in the hotel while spending the whole night outside.
For people with heart, breathing or other significant medical conditions, it is sensible to avoid excessively long queues and tell companions what to do in an emergency.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Save these numbers before starting your Puja tour.
| Emergency | Number |
|---|---|
| National Emergency / Police / Ambulance assistance | 112 |
| Kolkata Police Control Room | 100 |
| Kolkata Police information | 1090 |
| Kolkata Traffic Police | 1073 |
| Fire Brigade | 101 |
| Women in Need – Kolkata Police | 1091 |
| Child Line | 1098 |
| National Cyber Crime Helpline | 1930 |
| St. John Ambulance | 9830023653 / 033-24863926 |
| SSKM Hospital 24-hour helpline | 033-22041100 |
SSKM Hospital
For a serious medical emergency in South Kolkata, IPGME&R / SSKM Hospital is an important government hospital with 24-hour casualty/emergency services.
Address: 244 A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata 700020
24-hour helpline: 033-22041100
In a life-threatening situation, call 112 rather than trying to transport the patient yourself through heavy Puja traffic.
Final Tips for a Wonderful South Kolkata Puja – Optimized One Day
Start Early or Go Very Late
The busiest period is usually the evening peak. For this optimized one-day route, we recommend starting at 2 PM from Singhi Park (Gariahat) when crowds are thinner, and finishing at Santoshpur Lake Pally around 1:30 AM when the lake reflection is most beautiful and crowds thin. Families with children and elderly members may find late afternoon or late-night visits more comfortable, subject to the individual Puja’s access arrangements.
Use Metro for Major Transfers
South Kolkata roads can become extremely congested during Puja. Metro is generally more predictable than cars and buses for moving between major clusters. For this optimized route: Start near Kalighat Metro (for Gariahat cluster), use Rabindra Sarobar Metro for Chetla-Mudiali-New Alipore-Jodhpur Park transfer, and end near Kavi Subhash for Santoshpur.
Don’t Try to See Everything in Random Order – Follow Optimized Sequence
This guide covers 15 famous pujas in minimum distance order from north to south. Don’t add extra pujas between these that will cause backtracking. If you want to see more, add them within the same cluster.
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