Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Bengal Plans Tea and Palash Festivals to Boost Tourism
West Bengal wants more people to visit its different districts.
The state is planning a tea festival and vintage car rally at Sandakphu.
It has also proposed a festival in Purulia for the time when palash flowers bloom.
Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh said these events could help show visitors what each area offers.
The tourism department also plans to attend an exhibition in London in December.
Ghosh said companies had proposed investing ₹12,624 crore in tourism projects.
He also said tourism businesses must register and follow rules, including fire-safety requirements.
Officials were asked to find ways to improve tourism in Jalpaiguri and help visitors who need assistance.
West Bengal is planning a tea festival at Sandakphu, alongside a vintage car rally.
A festival celebrating blooming palash flowers is proposed for Purulia.
Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh said the events would showcase district attractions and promote local tourism.
The department plans to participate in a tourism exhibition in London in December; Ghosh said investment proposals total ₹12,624 crore.
Ghosh urged tourism businesses to complete digital registration and meet licensing and safety rules, warning that violations could prompt strict action.
- Who
- West Bengal Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh and the state tourism department.
- What
- Plans for a tea festival and vintage car rally at Sandakphu, and a palash flower festival in Purulia.
- When
- The proposals were announced on Saturday; the department plans to attend a London tourism exhibition in December.
- Where
- Sandakphu in Darjeeling and Purulia, West Bengal.
- Why
- To highlight the attractions of individual districts and promote tourism in West Bengal.
- Tea festival location
- Sandakphu, Darjeeling
- Additional Sandakphu event
- A vintage car rally is planned alongside the tea festival.
- Palash festival location
- Purulia
- Investment proposals
- ₹12,624 crore, according to the minister
- London exhibition
- The tourism department plans to participate in December.
- Compliance measures
- Tourism businesses were urged to complete digital registration and meet licensing, fire-safety and other requirements.
- Jalpaiguri follow-up
- The district magistrate was asked to identify a tourism destination, and the district police chief to introduce a tourist helpline.