Kolkata, September 5 (Daily Kiran) : The West Bengal government is gearing up for an extravagant celebration of Durga Puja this year. A significant meeting is scheduled for Monday to discuss plans for elevating the festival to an international platform. Kolkata will host a series of large-scale cultural events, including drone shows and concerts during the festivities.
According to a state government official, this year’s Durga Puja will feature unprecedented spectacles. The goal of these proposed events is to showcase Bengal’s rich cultural heritage to a global audience and attract international tourists during the festive season.
The drone shows are expected to offer a unique experience. Details of various programs and ceremonies will be finalized after the meeting.
The tourism department is also launching an initiative to connect Bengalis living worldwide with the main Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata. This program, titled “Global Connect 2026: Emotions of Bengalis Worldwide,” aims to promote West Bengal as a premier cultural tourism destination, especially since UNESCO has recognized Kolkata’s Durga Puja as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage.”
To implement this initiative, the government has initiated the process of selecting an experienced event management company and has already issued a Request for Proposal.
According to official documents, the celebrations will kick off on October 10, the day of Mahalaya, with a major cultural event at Eden Gardens. This event will feature the traditional “Mahishasuramardini” presentation alongside folk and classical performances that represent Bengal’s cultural traditions.
In the evening, a mega concert featuring renowned artists is also planned. Organizers may attempt to set a world record with traditional “dhol” drumming associated with Durga Puja.
A significant program is also scheduled for Ashtami, which will include the traditional “dhunachi” dance. Major government buildings and architecturally significant sites across the state will be specially illuminated.
Guidelines specify that only architectural lighting will be permitted on government buildings, and stages cannot be erected without special permission.
The plan also includes a four-hour “Grand Durga Puja Concert” at a major stadium or auditorium. This event is expected to showcase dhak and dhunachi dances, as well as Chhau, Baul, Kirtan, Rabindra Sangeet, and Nepali cultural presentations.
Under the international showcase, Bengali handicrafts, traditional cuisine, and the stunning theme pandals associated with Kolkata’s Durga Puja will be promoted. These proposals will be discussed in Monday’s meeting and will proceed only after government approval.
The government emphasizes that the grandeur of the celebrations should not compromise the religious sanctity or traditional Bengali customs of Durga Puja. When necessary, consultations will be held with priests, experts in religious rituals, and heritage specialists.
The event will be organized in an environmentally friendly manner, incorporating measures such as eliminating single-use plastics, waste segregation, digital invitations, and energy conservation. The government is considering transforming this initiative into an annual international festival in the future.
A state government official stated that the aim is to present Bengal’s culture to the world while preserving the traditions and customs associated with Durga Puja.
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