Home » Canada Travel News » Canada, Portugal, Spain, France, and More Contribute Significantly to a Twenty Percent Increase in Foreign Tourist Arrivals During Kolkata’s Durga Puja Celebrations This Year: Know More
Published on October 9, 2025
Kolkata’s Durga Puja celebrations have witnessed a significant rise in foreign tourist arrivals this year, with countries like Canada, Portugal, Spain, France, and more contributing to a remarkable twenty percent increase. This surge is a reflection of the growing global recognition of the festival, particularly after its inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Tourists from these countries are drawn to the city’s vibrant cultural festivities, the intricate artistry of pandals, and the unique community spirit that defines the celebration. As Kolkata continues to enhance its tourism infrastructure and showcase its rich traditions, international visitors are eager to experience the grandeur of Durga Puja firsthand, making it one of the most sought-after cultural festivals in the world.
Kolkata is experiencing a remarkable uptick in foreign tourism this Durga Puja, with arrivals up by nearly 20% compared to last year. This increase is a testament to the festival’s growing global appeal, particularly since its recognition by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage four years ago. Tourists from across the world, including the US, Europe, Australia, and the UAE, are making their way to the city to immerse themselves in this iconic cultural celebration.
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The Durga Puja festivities, known for their vibrant processions, grand pandals (temporary structures), and intricate idol artwork, have become a major draw for international visitors. Tour operators and travel agencies in the city report a growing trend of foreign tourists either visiting for the first time or returning year after year to experience the spectacle.
Many international visitors are captivated by the uniqueness of the festival, with its blend of art, tradition, and community spirit. A number of tourists are traveling to Kolkata specifically for the puja, with several choosing to combine it with other regional experiences, such as trips to Sikkim or Darjeeling, before returning to the city for the grand celebrations.
One notable group of foreign tourists visiting Kolkata this year hails from countries like Spain, Portugal, France, and Canada. These visitors include both first-timers and regular attendees, some of whom have been coming to the city every autumn to witness Durga Puja. For many, Kolkata’s Durga Puja has become an annual tradition, an event they eagerly anticipate for the art, the culture, and the sheer vibrancy it brings to the streets of the city.
Among the seasoned visitors are individuals who have visited the city several times before. Some have come as many as five times to experience the cultural magic of Durga Puja. Despite the heavy rainfall on September 22, these tourists were determined to make the most of their trip and fully immerse themselves in the festivities, showing just how powerful the allure of the festival has become.
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A French author and photographer, visiting Kolkata for the first time, was amazed by the scale and beauty of the pandal art. He described the experience as “incredible” and unlike any other global festival, further solidifying Kolkata’s status as a cultural destination for those seeking something beyond the typical tourist experience. His group visited multiple pandals over several evenings, with their admiration for the artistry growing with each stop.
Impression Tourism Services, a local tour operator, has been bringing foreign tourists to Kolkata specifically for Durga Puja, with many coming from Spain, Australia, and Germany. The agency has crafted special itineraries for these travelers, showcasing not only the pandals but also the city’s rich cultural history and local traditions. The rise in foreign tourist arrivals is evident, with the agency reporting a 20% increase this year over last year’s numbers. It is clear that the global interest in Durga Puja continues to grow, and Kolkata is emerging as a must-see destination for cultural tourists from around the world.
While earlier projections suggested a 40% increase in foreign visitors, some challenges have emerged due to the weather. A few tourists, deterred by the downpours, chose to cancel or postpone their travel plans to Kolkata. Nonetheless, tour operators are actively working to reassure these visitors and encourage them to come later in the season. Despite the setbacks, industry insiders remain optimistic about the long-term growth of foreign tourism during the festival.
This increase in foreign arrivals is part of a larger trend of rising international tourism to West Bengal. In 2022-23, the state welcomed 27 lakh international visitors, a number that increased to 32 lakh in the subsequent year. The growth has been largely driven by investments in tourism infrastructure, making the region more accessible and attractive to travelers from around the world.
In addition to visitors from traditional markets like Europe and the US, there has been a notable rise in arrivals from the UAE. Tourists from Dubai, in particular, are flocking to Kolkata to take in the sights and sounds of Durga Puja. Local travel agencies have confirmed that groups of tourists from Dubai are touring Kolkata’s pandals and exploring the city’s cultural heritage, including visits to museums, art exhibitions, and historic sites.
Kolkata’s Durga Puja has seen a twenty percent rise in foreign tourist arrivals this year, with visitors from Canada, Portugal, Spain, France, and more drawn by the festival’s growing global recognition and cultural allure.
Durga Puja is more than just a religious observance in Kolkata—it is a celebration of life, art, and community. As the festival’s international recognition grows, so does its appeal as a cultural tourism destination. This year’s surge in foreign visitors highlights Kolkata’s expanding role on the global tourism map, offering an unparalleled cultural experience that attracts travelers from all corners of the globe.
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