Dhak, Drones and Devi: Kolkata Welcomes Durga Puja 2026
From the thunder of dhak to a spectacular Maa Durga drone show, Kolkata embraces its most cherished festival with renewed cultural pride.
Mahalaya: When Bengal Welcomes Maa Durga
Mahalaya is more than a date on the Bengali calendar. It is an emotion that signals the arrival of Maa Durga and awakens Bengal’s collective cultural consciousness. In 2026, the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata became a spectacular stage for welcoming the festive spirit, blending tradition, music and modern technology in a celebration that resonated across West Bengal.
The grand inauguration brought together the evocative beats of the dhak, traditional dance performances, soulful music and the auspicious lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Singer Lagnajita Chakraborty added to the evening’s magic, filling Eden Gardens with melodies cherished by Bengali audiences.
It was an absolute joy and privilege to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya at the iconic Eden Gardens yesterday, officially welcoming the festive spirit of Durga Puja with unmatched splendour. The entire stadium was filled with electrifying energy, capturing the cultural heritage, warmth and soul of West Bengal. From the evocative beats of the ‘dhak’ and traditional dance recitals to soul-stirring musical performances and the auspicious lighting of the lamp, the evening resonated with the divine spirit of Agomoni. A proud highlight of the event was West Bengal receiving a Guinness World Record certificate, marking another historic milestone for our State. The night sky over Kolkata was truly mesmerising, lit up by an extraordinary drone light show depicting Maa Durga, followed by a dazzling fireworks display. As we welcome Maa Durga home, let this festive season fill every household with peace, good health, unity and boundless happiness. Joy Maa Durga 🚩
— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) October 11, 2026
From Dhak and Dhunuchi to Drones and Fireworks
The celebration offered a striking combination of Bengal’s timeless traditions and contemporary spectacle. The night sky over Kolkata transformed into a canvas as drones illuminated the darkness with a magnificent depiction of Maa Durga, followed by a dazzling fireworks display.
The reported Guinness World Record certificate awarded to West Bengal added another milestone to the occasion, making the inauguration a moment of collective pride.
Yet, beyond the grandeur, the heart of Durga Puja remains unchanged: devotion, togetherness and the joy of welcoming the Goddess home.
A performance to remember. 💛 Lagnajita Chakraborty filled Eden Gardens with melodies loved across West Bengal at the Grand Inauguration of Durga Puja 2026. Thank you, Lagnajita, for making this Mahalaya even more special. #DurgaPuja2026 #LagnajitaChakraborty #ShubhoMahalaya #WestBengal #EdenGardens [Lagnajita Chakraborty live, Lagnajita Chakraborty Eden Gardens, Durga Puja 2026, Mahalaya 2026, Durga Puja inauguration, Durga Puja West Bengal, Eden Gardens Kolkata]
— Durga Puja West Bengal (@DurgaPujaWB) October 10, 2026
Pujo: A Festival That Belongs to Every Household
For Bengali families, Durga Puja is an experience that extends far beyond decorated pandals. New clothes are bought and gifted to loved ones, relatives reunite, traditional delicacies bring families together, and neighbourhoods come alive with the sounds of dhak, dhol and devotional aarti.
From Shashthi, when the principal days of festivities begin, to the emotional farewell of Dashami, every moment carries memories, rituals and a powerful sense of belonging.
Kolkata’s elaborate decorations, illuminated streets and artistic pandals turn the city into a living celebration of Bengali identity.
This is honestly one of the most detailed and beautiful drone show videos I’ve seen in a long time .From yesterday’s Durga Puja at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Just look at how beautiful this is! ✨ https://t.co/79hJJehKYM
— Nikhil saini (@iNikhilsaini) October 12, 2026
A Celebration of Faith, Freedom and Cultural Pride
The enthusiasm surrounding Durga Puja 2026 reflects the enduring strength of Bengal’s cultural heritage. The feeling of returning to one’s roots is especially meaningful when communities can celebrate their traditions openly, joyfully and together.
As Maa Durga returns home, the message extends beyond religion: may this festive season bring peace, good health, unity and happiness to every household.
Joy Maa Durga! Joy Bangla’s timeless festive spirit!
SOURCE :
https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/festivals-and-events/west-bengal/durga-puja
https://wbtourism.gov.in/durgapuja
https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/durga-puja-in-kolkata-00703
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