From September 18 to 22, 2025, massArt, a city-based socio-cultural organization, will host the fourth edition of the Durga Puja Art (PSDPA) preview show, which will include a number of new features.

Since 2022, Durga Puja has been the largest public art event in the world, thanks in large part to the innovative concept that gives tourists from across the world an exclusive first peek at the rich offerings of Kolkata’s Durga Puja before the festivities officially begin.

Mr. Kausik Basak, IAS, Special Commissioner & e.o, Director of Culture, Information and Cultural Affairs Dept, Govt. of West Bengal, Ms. Haimanti Banerji, PhD, Professor, Dept. of Architecture and Regional Planning, IIT Kharagpur and Dr. Jayantna Sengupta, historian and Director of Alipore Museum & a special delegate from UNESCO, Junhi Han, Chief of Sector for Culture, UNESCO New Delhi were present at the media interaction.

Since its inaugural edition in 2022, PSDPA has been supported by UNESCO. Its goal is to globalize Bengali Durga Puja Art and create cultural connections by bringing together national and international representatives, art enthusiasts, and cultural experts to observe the collective creativity of local craftspeople, who serve as archives of the region’s cultural heritage.

A new chapter in Bengal’s cultural history will be marked by the unveiling of a historic Unesco–MassArt creative partnership at this year’s preview show. For Bengal’s local craftspeople, the autumn art fair, which will take place at the famous Alipore Museum from September 18 to 22, is expected to be revolutionary.

Delegates and dignitaries will be able to purchase art items created by local artists and corresponding with the themes of the 24 famous Durga Puja art sites at the expo.

In addition to providing a venue for business-to-business and business-to-consumer partnerships, which will undoubtedly increase the craftsmen’s earnings, the fair will open doors for Bengali community art to be recognized at prestigious international exhibitions like the India Art Fair, Art Dubai, and Art Basel.

UNESCO, in collaboration with IIT Kharagpur and massArt, will launch a program to improve accessibility in 24 iconic Durga Puja Art venues during the autumn Art Fair of 2025. This will guarantee seamless experiences for senior citizens and visitors with special needs throughout the city’s 24 iconic Durga Puja Art installations.

The 2025 Durga Puja Art preview event is expected to mark yet another significant milestone in the celebration and dissemination of Bengali culture on a global scale.

Priyanka Dutta