Kolkata, Agency

The West Bengal government will launch a campaign to build an exclusive global brand around Durga Puja — the state’s biggest cultural festival — and promote tourism centred around temples and pilgrimage sites, according to the state Budget.

Finance minister Swapan Dasgupta, while presenting the Budget in the state Assembly on Monday, said the government will run a brand campaign to promote Durga Puja on a global stage.

“The initiative, titled Durga Puja – A Global Festival, An Eternal Passion of Bengal, seeks to transform the UNESCO-recognised festival into a year-round cultural tourism brand,” the state’s tourism minister Shankar Ghosh told UNI.
According to the government's plans, the campaign will highlight the Durga Puja marquees and the overall festivities held across the state. A dedicated digital engagement platform centred on the Durga Puja.

As part of the effort, the state government will also reconstitute the Heritage Commission to draw up a comprehensive restoration plan for major heritage and religious sites, including Kalighat Kali Temple, Tarapeeth, Jorasanko Thakurbari, Madanmohan Temple, Jalpesh Temple, Thakurnagar Thakurbari, Maa Kalyaneshwari Temple, Tarakeswar, Kankalitala, Kiriteshwari and Konnagar.

The government will also create the Bengal Shaktipeeth Circuit, which will connect major Shaktipeeths (seats of Shakti or feminine power) across the state and package them as integrated spiritual tourism destinations.
The circuit is expected to link sites such as Bhramari Devi, Nandikeswari, Tarapeeth, Bakreshwar, Phullara and Kankalitala through a hub-and-spoke model aimed at boosting pilgrimage travel.

The government also plans to create a dedicated Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Pilgrimage Circuit, connecting destinations associated with Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his disciples through district-based itineraries.

Mayapur is slated to be developed as a world-class spiritual and tourism destination, with a proposed investment of Rs 1,000 crore over three years from 2026-27.

Jagaddhatri Puja, Tarakeswar Mela, Baruni Mela, Ras Mela, Jalpesh Mela and other similar fests will be promoted as festivals of national significance.

Officials said the government will also explore affordable accommodation facilities for pilgrims through public-private partnerships at important pilgrimage centres such as Puri and Deoghar.

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