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Durga Puja 2026 Mahalaya Inauguration Program: Drone & Fireworks Show

To mark the commencement of Durga Puja 2026, the West Bengal government will host a grand four-hour inauguration program at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on the day of Mahalaya. The event features a massive drone and fireworks show, cultural performances by thousands of artists, and a musical concert, all symbolizing the traditional arrival of the goddess Durga.

Date
Oct 2, 2026
Location
Kolkata
Status
Upcoming
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Durga Puja 2026 Mahalaya Inauguration Program: Drone & Fireworks Show

Event summary

Highlights

  • Four-hour cultural inauguration at Eden Gardens
  • Large-scale drone formation and fireworks show
  • Performances by 6,000 artists and 3,000 dhakis
  • Virtual opening of major community puja pandals
Organized jointly by the Tourism and Information and Culture departments, the inauguration program at Eden Gardens represents a significant cultural showcase to launch the annual Durga Puja festivities. The centerpiece of the celebration is an aerial display featuring thousands of drones that will create formations in the sky to illustrate the goddess's arrival, complemented by a light and sound laser show and a grand fireworks display. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to lead the ceremony, which includes the virtual inauguration of five prominent city puja pandals: Sribhumi Sporting, Suruchi Sangha, Santosh Mitra Square, Chetla Agrani, and Tridhara Sammilani.

The stadium is prepared to accommodate approximately 35,000 spectators for a program featuring 6,000 artists and 3,000 traditional dhakis (drummers). A musical concert is also scheduled, featuring notable performers such as Shaan, Kaushiki Chakraborty, and the folk band Dohar. This event marks a transition in state festival traditions, occurring alongside new regulations including the discontinuation of the post-festival carnival, a ban on liquor sales on Maha Ashtami, and prohibitions on DJ music to preserve the festival's traditional essence.

Practical details

Location described by the source
Eden Gardens
indianexpress.com
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Kolkata

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