Visit Kolkata during Durga Puja and you’ll remember the experience all your life. The sheer scale of the celebrations and the grandeur associated with it will leave you stunned. The pandals, the beautifully crafted idols, the creativity, the revelry; it all concluded on October 3 with the grand immersion carnival organised by the West Bengal government.
Held for the second year running, chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s idea has put Kolkata on the world map. While over 50,000 spectators were in attendance for the extravagant carnival on Red Road, over five million watched it virtually! Beautifully designed floats showcasing idols and themes of the best pandals went slowly down the road towards the immersion ghat as dancers, singers and dhaakis kept the crowd enthralled.
Outlook Traveller was present for the grand immersion carnival to give you an idea of how spectacular the event was.
 
(Captions by Sharmistha Chaudhuri)
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
CM Mamata Banerjee greets dignitaries before the start of the immersion carnival
CM Mamata Banerjee greets dignitaries before the start of the immersion carnival
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
Odissi dancers trained by Dona Ganguly start the proceedings at the immersion carnival
Odissi dancers trained by Dona Ganguly start the proceedings at the immersion carnival
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
Communal harmony was a common theme across many Pujos in the city. The pandal at Rajdanga had six entrances, each representing a different faith
Communal harmony was a common theme across many Pujos in the city. The pandal at Rajdanga had six entrances, each representing a different faith
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
Almost all floats had dhaakis and dancers performing as they went down Red Road
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
As each float went by, one caught a glimpse of the idols, each crafted with much care
As each float went by, one caught a glimpse of the idols, each crafted with much care
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
Performances by artists were a treat to watch as they made their way past the spectators, ahead of the floats carrying the idols
Performances by artists were a treat to watch as they made their way past the spectators, ahead of the floats carrying the idols
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
Every pandal had an element of the on-going Fifa u17 World Cup. Some had youngsters performing tricks with a football while others had posters and banners
Every pandal had an element of the on-going Fifa u17 World Cup. Some had youngsters performing tricks with a football while others had posters and banners
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
Drummers keep the beats going as each float passed by the spectators on way to the immersion ghat
Manjit Singh Hoonjan
Happy spectators at the end of the immersion carnival. It was an experience one will never forget!
Happy spectators at the end of the immersion carnival. It was an experience one will never forget!