SRESTHO SHAROD SOMMAN 2026
As the monsoon's dark clouds recede, the azure autumn sky welcomes the gentle drift of white clouds. Radiant sunlight dancing across historic courtyard walls heralds the arrival of the Mother. In every heart, the rhythmic cadence of the dhak has already begun. The sacred Khuti Puja has commenced. Right alongside the pull of the Rath's chariot wheels, Kumartuli's master artisans have completed the Kathamo Puja and are breathing divine life into the clay idols of Maa Durga. Preparations have reached their pinnacle. The Indian Chronicles proudly presents Bengal's most distinguished and heritage-rooted Durga Puja honors.
JOURNALISTIC INTEGRITY & COMMITTED SUPPORT FOR FESTIVE CULTURE
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The dark monsoon clouds recede, replaced by drifting white cumulus across autumn's crystal sky. The golden glow against the walls proclaims that Mother is arriving. In our hearts, the festive drums have already begun their cadence. The auspicious Khuti Puja is complete, and Kumartuli's generational master clay sculptors are breathing life into the divine clay idols. Preparations have reached their pinnacle.
In celebration of Bengal's grandest festival, Srestho Sharod Somman 2026 is organized to pay homage to the relentless dedication of neighbourhood clubs, festival organizers, theme artists, and folk craftsmen who preserve our living cultural heritage.
Free from commercial bias and committed to an impartial, transparent evaluation, this awards initiative invites puja committees from Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly to participate with zero registration fees. Our steadfast mission is to celebrate genuine community spirit, environmental mindfulness, and artistic brilliance.
RULES & EVALUATION FRAMEWORK
100% Free Registration
This is a completely free registration. No entry fee, processing charge, or payment of any kind is required to participate in Srestho Sharod Somman 2026.
11 October 2026 (Midnight)
By 11 October 2026, 12:00 AM (midnight), participating committees must submit a 3-4 minute teaser video or reel showcasing the puja pandal and idol.
Artist & Committee Statement
If pandal construction remains incomplete by the deadline, a video featuring the theme artist and committee members articulating the complete artistic concept is fully accepted.
Top 20 Pandal Selection
Based on initial video scrutiny, the top 20 puja committees will be shortlisted. Our esteemed panel of expert judges will then visit the selected pandals for on-site physical evaluation.
₹10,001 Cash Prize
The official Srestho Sharod Somman banner must be prominently and attractively displayed near the pandal entrance throughout Dashami, visible to media representatives upon arrival.
Mandatory Committee Guidance
During on-site jury visits, a designated committee representative must accompany the judges through the pavilion and assist actively during the evaluation walkthrough.
Maha Sasthi & Saptami
Results will be officially declared on Maha Sasthi evening across The Indian Chronicles' social media networks. Coveted trophies and citations will be presented on Maha Saptami evening.
Dummy & Official Check Disbursement
A ceremonial dummy check, trophy, and citation will be handed over on award evening. The actual financial funds will be disbursed in April 2027 at the annual 'Srestho Bangali' gala.
COVERAGE ZONES & REGIONAL BOUNDARIES
Dunlop, Baranagar, Nagerbazar, Baguiati, Bangur, Lake Town, Salt Lake, New Town, Tala, Shyambazar, Ultadanga, Muchipara, Hatibagan, Bagbazar, Kumartuli, Ahiritola, Maniktala, Vivekananda Road, Rabindra Sarani, Central Avenue.
Gariahat, Rashbehari, Hazra, Kalighat, Chetla, Behala, Tollygunge, Jadavpur, Baghajatin, Garia, and adjacent neighborhoods.
Open online participation, digital teaser evaluation, and virtual verification audits for all cultural and community puja committees across Howrah and Hooghly districts.
SCHEDULE & CRITICAL MILESTONES
Final deadline to submit 3-4 minute teaser videos/reels of the pandal, idol, or theme artist statements to our evaluation desk.
On-site inspection and artistic scrutiny across the shortlisted top 20 puja committees by expert jury panels accompanied by committee members.
Worldwide declaration of award winners across The Indian Chronicles' official Facebook and digital media networks.
Direct on-site presentation of trophies, certificates, and dummy checks on Saptami; formal cash grant disbursement in April 2027 at the Srestho Bangali gala.
SUBMIT YOUR PUJA COMMITTEE NOMINATION (FREE)
Registration is completely free of cost. When completing the Google Form, please provide your club's accurate name, full postal address, two active mobile numbers, and precise directions to the pandal.