What if visitors could experience Kolkata’s Durga Puja traditions, historic Bonedi Bari celebrations, regional cuisine, traditional crafts, music and contemporary entertainment under one roof? This festive season, Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata and Ozone Convention Centre aim to bring this experience to life with “Gateway to Kolkata – A Durga Puja Heritage Festival,” a seven-day celebration scheduled from 15 to 21 October 2026.

Designed as an immersive journey into Bengal’s cultural heritage, the festival will bring together history, food, art, music and family entertainment, offering visitors a different way to explore the traditions that make Kolkata’s Durga Puja a distinctive cultural celebration.

At the heart of the festival will be a specially curated Bonedi Bari Heritage Experience, showcasing the traditions and stories of some of Kolkata’s historic aristocratic households. Visitors can explore galleries featuring archival photographs, family anecdotes, historical narratives and interactive installations that offer a glimpse into the city’s longstanding Durga Puja traditions.

The heritage showcase will feature stories from Sabarna Roy Choudhury Bari, Harakutir Roy Banerjee family, Badan Chandra Roy Bari, Dorjipara Mitra Bari, Shukhtara Sardar Family Pujo, Howrah Bose Family, Bhowanipore Mallick Bari, Thanthania Chandra Bari, Maniktala Chunder Bari and Bishnupur Mitra Bari Puja.

Commenting on the festival, Somrup Chanda, General Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata, said, “Durga Puja is much more than a festival for Kolkata, it is an emotion, a cultural legacy and a time when the entire city comes together. With ‘Gateway to Kolkata’, our endeavour is to bring together the many experiences that define Bengal and create a celebration that is both rooted in heritage and relevant to today’s audience. From the stories of Bonedi Bari families and the flavours of regional Bengal to traditional crafts, music and contemporary entertainment, we want our guests to experience Kolkata in its most vibrant and authentic form.”

Food will be a major highlight of the festival, with a festive spread inspired by the culinary traditions of different regions of Bengal. The menu will feature heritage recipes associated with Bonedi Bari households, including Mitra Bari Bishnupur Chingrir Binuni, Kochuri, Cholar Dal er Barfi, Thanthania Chandra Bari Suji Naru (Ahlladi Naru) and Howrah Bose Bari Pujor Bhoger Saat Bhaja, among other specialities.

Interactive live counters will serve Bengali fish fry, Kolkata chaat and Mongolian Grill, while traditional beverages such as Aam Pora Sharbat, Bel Sharbat and Daab Sherbet will add a regional touch to the experience. At KAVA, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, guests can enjoy Bengali favourites such as Golbari Mutton Kosha, Murshidabadi Morog Pulao, Kolkata Chicken Biryani and Chingri Malai Curry, alongside local sweets and live culinary stations.

The festival will also showcase Bengal’s artisan traditions through a curated marketplace featuring Murshidabad silk and handloom, Medinipur jute crafts, Bankura terracotta, Bishnupur Baluchari, Krishnanagar clay dolls, Purulia Chhau masks, and Cooch Behar bamboo and cane crafts.

The marketplace aims to give visitors an opportunity to explore and purchase traditional products while learning about the craftsmanship, stories and regional identities behind them. Alongside the heritage and food experiences, the festival will feature a dedicated family entertainment zone with arcade games, racing simulators, basketball, air hockey, virtual reality experiences and soft-play activities.

The entertainment programme will include Dandiya Nights, devotional bhajan concerts, live Bengali bands, folk performances and cultural showcases. At Vertex, guests can enjoy celebrity DJ nights, live bands, karaoke and Jatra performances, with rooftop views of the iconic Biswa Bangla Gate adding to the festive atmosphere.

For guests looking to combine their Durga Puja celebrations with a hotel stay, Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata will offer a Durga Puja Festive Package from 16 to 21 October 2026. The package will combine accommodation with festive dining, access to the Bonedi Bari exhibition, cultural performances, Dandiya Night and entertainment at Vertex.

With its combination of heritage, regional food, artisan crafts and entertainment, Gateway to Kolkata is positioned as a festive destination for families, culture enthusiasts, food lovers and visitors seeking experiences beyond the traditional pandal trail. The festival brings together different aspects of Bengal’s identity, from the stories of historic households and traditional recipes to local craftsmanship, music and contemporary celebrations, inviting guests to discover Kolkata through its culture and people.