Kolkata's Allen Park, famed for elaborate Christmas celebrations, to host maiden Durga Puja in 2026

Allen Park in Kolkata's Park Street area, traditionally known for its elaborate Christmas celebrations, will host a Durga Puja for the first time this year, with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expected to inaugurate the festivities, the organisers said on Saturday.

The Durga Puja at the Park Street landmark is being organised by the ‘Kolkata Sanatani Sangh’, which said preparations have already begun at the venue.

It will be inaugurated by Adhikari on the day after ‘Mahalaya’, which heralds the end of ‘Pritri Paksha’ and advent of ‘Devi Paksha’, as per the Hindu calendar.

The Sangh's secretary Nabin Mishra, who was Adhikari's election agent in the Bhabanipur constituency, claimed that attempts to organise the puja at Allen Park had been made two or three times earlier, but permission was not granted.

"This opportunity has been created now as there is a Sanatani government," Mishra said.

The ‘khunti puja’ (traditional ritual that marks the official beginning of Durga Puja preparations) will be held on Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14, he said.

Allen Park to take on saffron hue for Durga Puja

The organisers said Allen Park’s traditional blue-and-white colour scheme will also give way to a new saffron hue this year.

The park and the adjoining stretch of Park Street are decorated extensively every year for Christmas.

This year, Chandannagar-based artists will decorate half of the stretch and artisans from Contai in Purba Medinipur will work on the other, ahead of the Durga Puja, the organisers stated.

The chanting of hymns will begin at the puja premises from ‘Mahalaya’, while cultural programmes featuring Bengali folk artistes and performers from across the country will be held from the day of ‘Chaturthi’.

Christmas celebrations to continue at Park Street landmark

Special events are also planned on the day of ‘Ashtami’, they said.

The organisers also expect several senior BJP leaders to visit the pandal.

Asked whether the introduction of Durga Puja at Allen Park would affect its traditional Christmas celebrations, Sangh president Shankhadev Panda said both festivals would be observed.

"We respect every religion. Allen Park will be decorated during Christmas as well," he said.