Durga Puja in the City of Joy became even more vibrant this year with the 18th edition of “HELLO KOLKATA DURGASHREE 2025”, an annual Puja Parikrama that celebrates art, devotion, and community. Organized by HELLO KOLKATA, the mega contest brought together nearly 100 Pujas from Kolkata and its suburbs, making it one of the most anticipated festive events of the season.
The initiative was supported by LIONS Club of Kolkata Magnates, Rotary Club of Kasba, IMG (International Media Guild) and LCSF (Literary, Cultural & Social Forum). Adding global and cultural partnerships, Sutton Derby Cricket Club (Australia), Nritya Gatha, and FPAI also joined hands as associate partners.
Celebrating Art & Community
The Parikrama was guided by Chief Mentor Dr. Barbara Thyab Ali, a Chennai-based philanthropist and social activist, who praised the festival for promoting unity and creativity.
An eminent jury panel comprising well-known personalities from diverse fields—including Sovan Chakraborty, Sangita Das, Prof. Dr. Tinni Dutta, Prakash & Arpita Killa, Subhajit Duttagupta, Prof. Dr. Parthasarathi Chakraborthy, Dr. Shanoli Ray, Rituparna Sen, Keya Chakrabarti, and many others—evaluated the participating Puja committees.
Winners of Sharad Samman 2025
Some of the most spectacular Pujas walked away with the coveted HELLO KOLKATA SHARAD SAMMAN 2025, including:
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Barisha Sammilani Sarbajanin Durgotsav (Behala)
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Manikpur Sarbajanin (Lichubagan Chouhati)
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Nabapalli Daspara Nabayubak Sangha
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Basudevpur Sangathani
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Nabaday Sangha Joyrampur (Behala)
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College Square
among several others.
Looking Ahead
Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Asish Basak, Organizing Chairperson, announced exciting future plans:
“In 2026, HELLO KOLKATA will extend the Puja Parikrama beyond Kolkata, taking this celebration of tradition and culture to other parts of West Bengal and even outside the state.”
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