Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Bengal Plans Durga Puja Launch With Modi at Eden Gardens
The Bengal government wants to begin this year’s Durga Puja celebrations with a large event at Eden Gardens.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to attend on Mahalaya.
Suvendu Adhikari is expected to welcome him on Red Road and walk with him toward the stadium.
The event may include songs by Shreya Ghoshal and performances by thousands of dhakis.
Women will ululate as part of the welcome ceremony.
Drones will form pictures of Goddess Durga in the sky.
The government also plans to connect thousands of pujas across Bengal through a virtual programme.
Other concerts, lights, fireworks, and drone shows are planned during the festival.
The Bengal government plans to launch Durga Puja celebrations at Eden Gardens on Mahalaya.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend, subject to his schedule, and may inaugurate more than 10,000 pujas virtually.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is scheduled to welcome Modi on Red Road before a road show to Eden Gardens.
The four-hour programme may include Shreya Ghoshal, 5,000 dhakis, 1,000 women ululating, and drone formations.
The government is replacing the post-Puja Red Road carnival with events before and during the festival.
- Who
- The Bengal government, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shreya Ghoshal, and participating performers and dhakis.
- What
- A proposed large-scale launch of Durga Puja celebrations at Eden Gardens, along with related concerts and light shows.
- When
- The main programme is planned for Mahalaya; a concert is planned for October 16, and additional events are planned for Bijoya Dashami.
- Where
- Eden Gardens, Red Road, New Digha, Babughat, Gwalior Ghat, Prinsep Ghat, and the Hooghly riverfront.
- Why
- The government aims to inaugurate Durga Puja across Bengal and replace the previous post-Puja Red Road carnival with a new festival programme.
Earlier Red Road Carnival
Proposed Eden Gardens Launch
Event timing
Earlier Red Road Carnival
The Mamata Banerjee-era model held a Durga Puja carnival after the festival.
Proposed Eden Gardens Launch
The BJP-led government plans a four-hour event on the evening of Mahalaya, before Puja.
Main location
Earlier Red Road Carnival
Red Road was associated with the previous Durga Puja carnival.
Proposed Eden Gardens Launch
The main inauguration will take place at Eden Gardens, with a proposed road show beginning on Red Road.
Programme format
Earlier Red Road Carnival
The earlier approach centered on a post-Puja carnival.
Proposed Eden Gardens Launch
The new plan combines a stadium event, virtual inaugurations, performances, dhakis, and drone formations.
- Main venue
- Eden Gardens
- Proposed chief guest
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Main date
- Mahalaya
- Virtual inaugurations
- More than 10,000 Durga Pujas across Bengal
- Dhaki participation
- Close to 5,000 at Eden Gardens, with another 5,000 connected virtually
- Planned performer
- Shreya Ghoshal, including a proposed Durga Puja anthem
- Other events
- A Panchami concert and Bijoya Dashami lights, fireworks, and drone shows