Kolkata, September 16, 2026: New Town Sanatani Durga Puja is set to return in 2026 after a two-year gap, bringing together faith, heritage, knowledge and scientific temper under the theme “SANATAN TO SCIENCE – The Infinite Journey of Knowledge.”
The third edition of the Durga Puja was announced at a press conference held at the Press Club of Calcutta on Wednesday. Organised by the New Town Durga Puja Committee with support from the Manab Jati Kalyan Foundation, the celebration will be held at the New Town Mela Ground near Biswa Bangla Gate.
First organised in 2022, the Puja seeks to present Sanatan traditions, Bengali heritage and India’s historical knowledge traditions through a contemporary and educational perspective.
From Ancient Knowledge to Modern Science
The central theme, “SANATAN TO SCIENCE – The Infinite Journey of Knowledge,” will explore the evolution of knowledge, observation, enquiry and scientific thought across generations.
The thematic pandal will feature two conceptual sections — the Sanatan Knowledge Corridor and the Science Corridor. Visitors will be introduced to subjects including ancient Indian mathematics and numerical concepts, astronomy and traditional astronomical observations, Ayurveda, Sushruta and the history of surgery, yoga, philosophy, literature and India’s journey towards modern science and space technology.
The organisers stressed that the concept is not intended to suggest that every modern scientific discovery originated in ancient India. Instead, the objective is to encourage young people to understand India’s historical contributions to knowledge while developing curiosity, scientific thinking and a spirit of enquiry.
The core message of the theme is: “Tradition should inspire enquiry; knowledge should inspire innovation.”
Tradition and Spirituality at the Heart of the Puja
Despite its strong focus on knowledge and science, the organisers said that the spiritual character of Durga Puja will remain at the centre of the celebration.
Traditional rituals, mantras, puja vidhi, dhak, devotional programmes and cultural traditions will be given special importance. The organisers said technology and thematic installations will remain complementary to the religious and spiritual purpose of the Puja.
Maha Hawan for Peace and Global Unity
A special Maha Hawan will also be organised with prayers for global peace, harmony, human welfare and unity.
The programme will promote the timeless Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family, with a message of peace, fraternity and universal brotherhood transcending geographical, linguistic and social boundaries.
Celebrating the Cultural Diversity of India
The 2026 festival will also showcase the cultural diversity of India through music, dance, devotional performances, folk traditions and contemporary cultural presentations.
The organisers aim to bring Bengali culture together with the wider cultural heritage of the country, creating a platform where tradition, culture and community participation come together.
A Special Focus on the Younger Generation
One of the key objectives of the Puja is to connect children and young people with India’s heritage and knowledge traditions.
Through exhibitions, visual storytelling and educational installations, the organisers plan to make history, heritage and science more accessible and engaging for school students, college students, families and visitors.
The broader message is to encourage the younger generation to understand where we came from, what we discovered, what we created — and where we can go next.
New Town as a Cultural Destination
The organisers also believe that a major annual cultural and religious celebration can strengthen New Town’s identity as a destination for culture, education, tourism and community engagement.
As part of the planning, emphasis will be placed on crowd management, fire and emergency safety, cleanliness and waste management, traffic and parking coordination, medical assistance, public information and volunteer support to ensure a safe and family-friendly festival.
The organisers describe the 2026 edition as more than a recreation of the past. “Sanatan to Science” represents a journey from Faith to Knowledge, Knowledge to Enquiry, Enquiry to Discovery, Discovery to Innovation and Innovation to Humanity.
New Town Sanatani Durga Puja 2026 aims to create a unique space where Sanatan meets Science, Heritage meets Innovation, and Faith meets Knowledge.
