Kolkata, October 11, 2026: Celebrating the artistic brilliance and festive spirit of Durga Puja, Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport unveiled a magnificent 7.5-foot-tall idol of Goddess Durga crafted entirely from pure dark chocolate. The special unveiling ceremony was graced by legendary actor Mithun Chakraborty, Cultural Advisor to the Government of West Bengal and recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Children from Future Hope, an NGO supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds through education, shelter, food and healthcare, were also present as guests of honour.
The chocolate Durga idol was unveiled by Mithun Chakraborty in the presence of Rishi Jain, Managing Director of Jain Group; Shrayans Jain, Vice Chairman of Jain Group and owner of Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport; and the hotel’s senior leadership team. The initiative marks the 10th edition of the hotel’s distinctive celebration, bringing together traditional craftsmanship, culinary innovation and Bengal’s rich cultural heritage.
The 7.5-foot masterpiece has been created under the guidance of veteran artisan Sujit Pal, who comes from a family with more than 40 years of experience in traditional idol-making. His creations have featured at renowned community pujas, including Baguiati Jora Mandir, and have also travelled internationally to destinations such as Glasgow. Working alongside a team of more than 10 artisans and the hotel’s culinary brigade, Pal transformed pure dark chocolate into an elaborate representation of Goddess Durga while preserving the traditional aesthetics of the revered deity.
Speaking at the unveiling, Shrayans Jain, Vice Chairman of Jain Group and owner of Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport, said that the true spirit of Durga Puja lies in inclusivity, sharing happiness and spreading festive joy throughout the community. He highlighted the significance of bringing together Mithun Chakraborty and the children of Future Hope for an occasion that celebrates creativity, compassion and togetherness.
Rishi Jain, Managing Director of Jain Group, described Durga Puja as an emotion that unites Bengal. He noted that the innovative blend of traditional idol-making and culinary artistry reflects the festival’s spirit, with Sujit Pal’s craftsmanship bringing a unique artistic dimension to the chocolate creation.
The 7.5-foot pure dark chocolate Durga idol will be open to public viewing at Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport from October 16 to 20, 2026, offering visitors an opportunity to experience this distinctive fusion of art, tradition and gastronomy.
Adding to the festive celebrations, the hotel has also introduced its specially curated ‘Durga Mandap 2026’ themed buffet, featuring flavours and culinary traditions associated with Durga Puja. The buffet will be available for lunch from 12 noon to 4 pm and dinner from 7 pm to midnight, inviting guests to enjoy the festive season through a specially designed dining experience.
Located on Biswa Bangla Sarani, within approximately four kilometres of the airport, Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport offers accommodation, dining facilities and flexible meeting spaces for business and leisure travellers. The hotel is part of Jain Group, an Eastern India-based organisation with interests spanning infrastructure, finance, hospitality and real estate.
