London Sharad Utsav to honour Uttam Kumar this Pujo

The London Sharad Utsav (LSU), one of Europe’s biggest Durga Puja celebrations, will mark the birth centenary of Bengal’s matinee idol Uttam Kumar with a special tribute this year. For the first time, the festival has introduced a Wall of Fame, showcasing film posters of the legendary actor across the puja premises.
Organised by the Bengal Heritage Foundation (BHF), the initiative honours the Mahanayak, whose legacy continues to resonate deeply with Bengalis worldwide. In addition to the poster display, a musical evening dedicated to the legendary actor will celebrate his timeless contribution to cinema.

Now in its 17th year, LSU highlights Bengal’s rich culture and traditions for the diaspora. This year’s festivities, to be held from September 26–28 at the Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub, promise to be the largest Durga Puja in Europe. The venue, spread across 10,000 square feet, will dazzle with Chandannagar’s iconic light installations stretching across a 150ft wall.

The celebrations will also feature a grand feat at Bakul Talar Math with authentic Kolkata street food, from chaat and Indo-Chinese dishes to rasgolla, jilipi and paan. Rituals will be conducted by priests from Kolkata, including Nabapatrika snan, pushpanjali, Sandhi puja, Kumari puja, Chandi path, and Sindoor khela.
Cultural programmes are set to add further vibrancy, with dance, dhunuchi performances, song competitions, and a concert celebrating the music of SD and RD Burman. A special edition of the internationally awarded Sharadiya Parbani will also be showcased.
Kaushik Chatterjee, president of BHF and LSU 2025, said, “This year’s London Sharad Utsav promises to be the biggest and most vibrant celebration ever seen in Europe. We invite everyone to join us as we bring the grandeur of Durga Puja to the heart of London.”