West Bengal to host massive Mahalaya celebration at Eden Gardens

The West Bengal government is launching a large-scale initiative to reshape the state’s Durga Puja celebrations, centered on a massive Mahalaya event scheduled for October 10 at Eden Gardens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari are expected to participate in a roadshow and a joint stadium tour to kick off the festivities.

The Mahalaya programme aims to elevate the festival to a global stage, with live broadcasts planned for major international landmarks including Times Square in New York, Piccadilly Circus in London, and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The four-hour spectacle is expected to feature 15,000 traditional drummers (dhakis), 3D projection mapping, fireworks, and a drone light show. Musical performances will include artists such as Shreya Ghoshal, Kumar Sanu, Shaan, and Kaushiki Chakraborty.

This marks a shift in how the festival is managed in the state. While the previous administration utilized a Red Road carnival, the current BJP-led government has scrapped the carnival in favor of emphasizing traditional rituals and Mahalaya. The government also plans to use the event to virtually inaugurate thousands of Durga Pujas across West Bengal. Additionally, the Adani Group is reportedly organizing an international preview of the Puja for foreign diplomats and artists.