Kolkata: Kolkata witnessed a 20 per cent jump in the arrival of foreign tourists during Durga Puja this year over last year.
From 27 lakh in 2022-23, the number jumped to 32 lakh in 2023-24 and it clocked 39 lakh in 2024-25.
A significant number of these tourists came from the US, Europe, Australia and the UAE. There were several first-timers from France, Spain, Portugal and Canada.
This reflects Durga Puja’s ever-growing appeal among foreigners since it won the UNESCO intangible heritage tag four years back.
The Carnival held on 5 October this year is proving to be another added attraction for the foreigners.
The numbers would have been even higher if not for some last-minute cancellations due to the deluge just before the Pujas.
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