Foreign diplomats and cultural representatives and their family members at the Chaltabagan Durga Puja pandal on World Tourism Day with Sundeep Bhutoria, Chairman, Chaltabagan Durga Puja, and members of the puja committee, along with dignitaries. Chaltabagan Durga Puja won the Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman 2025 Award in the Sera Bhabna category. Foreign diplomats connect with the soul of North Kolkata at Chaltabagan Durga Puja.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!27 September 2025, Kolkata: On World Tourism Day, the Chaltabagan Durga Puja pandal ambassadors, high commissioners, and consular corps from across the globe soaked themselves in the Puja spirit. The foreign delegation, representing the UK, Estonia, France, Guatemala, Italy, Germany, Sri Lanka, and Ukraine, was welcomed by Mr Sundeep Bhutoria, Chairman, Chaltabagan Durga Puja Committee. “The rhythm is engaging….it is a wonderful experience because it is inclusive. This is my first visit to Durga Puja, but certainly not my last,” said Mr Antonio Bartoli, Ambassador of Italy in India. “This is such a great, beautiful, and amazing experience that has exceeded all my expectations. I will cherish this unique experience all my life,” said Mr Omar Castaneda Solares, Ambassador of Guatemala in India. This year’s pandal meticulously recreated the architectural soul of old North Kolkata – its heritage buildings, grand havelis, and intimate streetscapes – a sight that moved many diplomats to capture the moment with photographs and selfies. United Nations Information Centre, Director, Darrin Farrant, said, “This is once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s so thrilling to be there in Kolkata.” “To walk from Shyambazar to Shobhabazar through its narrow lanes is a journey through the city’s soul. We invited the diplomatic corps to share this living archive with the world and experience the intangible heritage that UNESCO has recognised,” said Mr Bhutoria.
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