The Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network (HHTDN), an apex body of tourism stakeholders of north Bengal, has drawn up a plan to help tourists enjoy Durga Puja during their trip to the region.
“Unesco has recognised the Durga Puja of Kolkata as an intangible cultural heritage. We have decided to take certain initiatives so that tourists, who will flock to the region during the festivities, get a chance to enjoy the Puja,” said Samrat Sanyal, the general secretary of the HHTDN.
The association, he said, will launch a helpline for tourists to know about the pujas near their place of stay and other details. Sanyal said that many tourists want to witness special events like Ashtami Sandhi Puja and Kumari Puja.
“If they call us, we will guide them to the location,” he added.
The helpline, HHTDN sources said, will be launched on September 27, World Tourism Day, when the organisation will also host an award function to felicitate people who contributed to the promotion and development of tourism in the region.
Representatives of the association said that in north Bengal, tourists can visit a number of old Durga Pujas which include those at the NN Bengali Hindu Hall in Darjeeling, the Raj Rajeshwari Hall in Kurseong, the Jalpaiguri palace, Mitra Sammilani of Siliguri and Borodebi temple in Cooch Behar.
The HHTDN general secretary said that if any tourist group wants a trip to some old pujas, it can also be arranged.