Archive · 21 Aug 2026
New Town Sanatani Durga Puja Returns With New Chairman
A Durga Puja celebration in New Town is coming back after being paused for two years.
It will take place at the New Town Mela Ground.
Subrata Gupta, an advisor to the chief minister, is the new chairman for five years.
The celebration’s theme is “Sanatan to science.”
Organisers want to show how India’s old ideas connect with science and new technology.
The pandal will use projections, moving parts and some robotics.
It will also be air-conditioned.
A fair will be held before the puja to collect money for the event.
New Town Sanatani Durga Puja will return after a two-year gap.
Chief ministerial advisor and New Town resident Subrata Gupta is chairman for five years.
The theme, “Sanatan to science,” will explore India’s knowledge and scientific traditions.
Organisers plan an air-conditioned, technology-enabled pandal with projections, automation and robotics.
A pre-puja fair will run from September 18 through the end of October to raise funds.
- Who
- New Town Sanatani Durga Puja organisers, chaired by Subrata Gupta, with George Baker as president.
- What
- The third edition of the Durga Puja is returning after a two-year gap.
- When
- The puja is planned for this year; a pre-puja fair is scheduled from September 18 through the end of October.
- Where
- New Town Mela Ground.
- Why
- Organisers want to celebrate India’s knowledge tradition, encourage scientific thinking, educate young people and raise funds through a fair.
Organisers’ Account
Administrative Decisions
Access to the Mela Ground
Organisers’ Account
Organisers said permission was denied in an earlier year and that an alternative site behind the Hanuman temple was unsuitable.
Administrative Decisions
The New Town Kolkata Development Authority previously denied permission, while this year the organisers received approval to use the Mela Ground.
- Edition
- Third edition; the puja began in 2022.
- Chairman
- Subrata Gupta, advisor to the chief minister and a New Town resident.
- Chairman’s term
- Five years.
- President
- George Baker, veteran actor and former BJP MP.
- Theme
- “Sanatan to science.”
- Venue
- New Town Mela Ground.
- Fundraising fair
- Planned from September 18 to the end of October.