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Chandannagar's Jagaddhatri: the story of the city of lights

Chandannagar lights up for Jagaddhatri Puja. Here is how that tradition grew, how big the pujas are, and how to get there.

Last checked: 31 Oct 2026 · 6 sources

A short history

Wikipedia gives 1790 as the date of the community Jagaddhatri Puja in Chandannagar. The same page also says the earliest history of the puja in the town is unknown. (Source: Wikipedia, Chandannagar)

The lights and the artisans

Wikipedia says that from Panchami to Dashami the whole area is decked in lights made by local manufacturers. Today the work is mostly done by artisans in the Bidyalanka area, and the lights go to festivals across Bengal, India and abroad. It names maestros such as Sridhar Das, whose LED panels tell animated stories. (Source: Wikipedia, Chandannagar)

A 2024 ETV Bharat report says the first bulb lights were supplied by Mahakali Electric of Howrah and first used by the Bagbazar Jagaddhatri Puja Committee; before that came gas lights and daylights. Artist Ashim Dey says he introduced LED lights here in 1988. Sridhar Das, Tarak Sheth, Babu Pal and Ashim Dey are named as well-known local artists. (Source: ETV Bharat, Chandannagar Jagaddhatri Puja lighting (9 Nov 2024))

The same 2024 report says Rs 106 crore was sanctioned for laying underground electric cables to prevent power outages. (Source: ETV Bharat, Chandannagar Jagaddhatri Puja lighting (9 Nov 2024))

How big it is, and the procession

A 2025 report lists 180 puja committees on the central committee's roll, most keeping older traditions. That year the puja ran five days, with all idols due to be immersed on Ekadashi. (Source: ETV Bharat, Chandannagar set to worship tallest Jagadhatri idol (2025))

In 2025 the Kanailal Pally idol stood about 75 feet, made of fibre on a bamboo frame; the locality's previous tallest Jagaddhatri was 26 feet. Wikipedia says the idols here are almost three times taller than Kolkata's Durga Puja idols. (Source: ETV Bharat, Chandannagar set to worship tallest Jagadhatri idol (2025))

On immersion night the big committees take their lit-up, themed idols out in a procession; in 2024 it ran from the evening of 11 November into the early hours of 12 November. (Source: ETV Bharat, Chandannagar Jagaddhatri Puja lighting (9 Nov 2024))

How to visit

Chandannagar station (code CGR) is 33 km from Howrah, on the Howrah–Bandel stretch. Wikipedia notes the station is greatly known for Jagaddhatri Puja. (Source: Wikipedia, Chandannagar railway station)

Drik Panchang lists Jagaddhatri Puja 2026 for Kolkata on Thursday, 19 November. Navami tithi runs from 06:04 am on 18 November to 07:05 am on 19 November. (Source: Drik Panchang, Jagaddhatri Puja 2026 (Kolkata))

💡 Station and streets get very crowded on the main nights. Arrive before dusk, check your return train beforehand, agree a meeting spot with your group, and keep children and elders close. You will walk a lot to see the lights, so wear comfortable shoes.

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