Durga Puja in London pays tribute to Bengal’s matinee idol Uttam Kumar
The Statesman | 28 September 2025Bengali matinee idol Utsav Kumar is considered as the Mahanayak to the Bengalis across the globe. This year, the celebration of his birth centenary has begun. Uttam Kumar will also be remembered through a musical evening. This is an initiative by the Bengal Heritage Foundation.
This event highlights the rich culture and tradition of Bengal in London every year. This year is the 17th year of the London Sharad Utsav.
Chandannagar lights will be filled with the Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub, which is a 10,000 square foot indoor space. As soon as one enters the arena, the lights from Chandannagar will be spread across a hundred and fifty feet wall.
Kaushik Chatterjee, president of Bengal Heritage Foundation and (BHF) London Sharad Utsav 2025, said: “As we bring the grandeur of Durga Puja to the heart of London, we invite everyone to join us. We believe that the rich cultural heritage of Bengal will add an unprecedented dimension to the festival here. Let us make this initiative memorable.”
One of the oldest Pujas started in Belfast in the early 1960’s, followed by Midland Bengali Association in 1970 and Bengali Cultural Association in 1974. London’s Bengali Cultural & Social Club began its community puja in 1999. In 2000, a group of eight doctors deeply connected to their roots had recreated the colours and lights of Kolkata in London.
