The State Tourism Department of West Bengal, in conjunction with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Kolkata Police, launches online pandal hopping passes for both domestic and international tourists, to ease exploring 49 leading community pujas pandals.
Durga Puja stands as a cultural beacon and a vital driver of tourism in West Bengal. This grand festival, celebrating the triumph of the goddess Durga over evil, attracts millions of devotees, artists, and tourists from across the globe. Tourists flock to witness the grandeur of the celebrations, creating a surge in demand for accommodations, local cuisines, transportation, and handicrafts. This surge in economic activity not only benefits the hospitality sector but also provides a significant boost to local businesses and artisans.
“This year this unique annual festival has achieved a very special significance after its global recognition as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021”, expressed Debjit Dutta, Chairman of IATO West Bengal Chapter, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) when talking to T3.
According to him, the State Tourism Department of West Bengal, in conjunction with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Kolkata Police, has launched an innovative initiative – online pandal hopping passes – exclusively tailored for both domestic and international tourists eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant festivities and exploring 49 leading community pujas pandals of the great autumn festival.
“This exemplifies the concerted efforts of the government and local authorities in ensuring a hassle-free exploration of Kolkata’s cultural exuberance. Government-recognized tour operators and classified hotels now have the convenience of offering their guests QR-based passes, accessible online, enabling them to partake in the world’s largest public art festival”, Dutta added.
He also highlighted the MoU, signed in July 2018 by West Bengal Tourism and the British Council to establish a systemic partnership, and as a part of the said understanding, The British council carried out research in 2019 for mapping the Creative Economy around the Durga Puja in Bengal. The research report looks at 10 creative industries that drive Durga Puja, possibly the biggest public art festival on this earth, mentions Dutta.
According to the report, the economic worth of the creative industries around Bengal’s Durga Puja was ₹32,377 crores or US$ 4.53 billion in 2019, which was actually the size of the economy of many smaller countries across the world. This 05-day carnival accounts for 2.58% of the state GDP through a unique ecosystem that feeds the festival economy. Before the pandemic, around ₹ 860 crores were spent every year on Installation, Art & Decoration, ₹ 205 Crore on lighting and illumination, ₹ 270 Crore on Literature and Publications. Around ₹ 280 crores of clay sculpture idols get immersed every year in a river or other water body after the festival.
Reiterating the huge role played by Durga puja towards the tourism and overall economy, Dutta mentions that “Durga Puja is perhaps one of the most unique examples of a massive creative economy around a festival considering its financial value and the ability to generate livelihood opportunities through a great tradition in Bengal. I sincerely hope that this mega carnival will be back in its original grandeur in 2022”
“As Chairman of the Bengal State Chapter of the IATO and Director & CEO of Impression Tourism Services (India) Pvt. Ltd., I take immense pride in witnessing the evolution of Durga Puja into a cultural and economic powerhouse, enriching our beloved Bengal while captivating hearts globally”, concludes Dutta.
City of Joy Gears Up For Its Global Extravaganza – Durga Puja Festival
