BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
CHANDANNAGAR | 10 SEPTEMBER 2026
In a major push to preserve its unique colonial history, West Bengal is set to breathe new life into Chandannagar’s iconic, French-era Registry Building through a joint initiative with the Embassy of France in India. State Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh announced that the Rs.5.74-crore heritage revival project will officially commence on Friday, September 11, 2026.
The grand ceremonial launch will take place at the St. Joseph’s Convent Auditorium. The event will be jointly graced by the Ambassador of France to India, Mr. Thierry Mathou, and Minister Shankar Ghosh. Ambassador Mathou is slated to address the gathering on the growing cultural cooperation between the two regions, their shared history, and the roadmap for sustainable tourism.
To mark the milestone, a three-day cultural festival will take over the former French colony from September 11 to September 13. Promising a distinct “touch of Paris,” the town’s famous Strand Road has been spectacularly illuminated for the occasion. The festival will kick off with the ‘Heritage on The Strand Walk’, a curated journey designed to explore Chandannagar’s shared cultural and culinary legacy. The riverside promenade will also host vibrant celebrations featuring local artists and live performances throughout the weekend.
The state government has proactively restored Chandannagar’s historic French-era registry office to its original glory. To celebrate this beautifully renovated landmark, a special three-day festival is underway, transforming the town with traditional French decorations and a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
According to administrative sources, the festivities feature:
- Cultural Highlights: A series of cultural programs, including a grand Ganga Aarti along the river.
- Culinary Delights: Food stalls lining both sides of Strand Road, offering a diverse menu that blends traditional Indian dishes with authentic French and Continental cuisine.
Chandannagar is nationally renowned for its spectacular Jagaddhatri Puja illuminations, and public excitement surrounding the dazzling displays is already peaking well before the arrival of Durga Puja. Highlighting this unique legacy, Chandannagar MLA Dipanjan Guha noted that the city’s historic architecture serves as a vital witness to its heritage and must be preserved. He emphasized that the festival also aims to strengthen Chandannagar’s deep-rooted historical ties with France. Recognizing the broader potential of the region, the government is planning a major tourism push along the banks of the Hooghly River, focusing on Chandannagar and the multiple other historic European circuits scattered across the Hooghly district.
Chandannagar, which used to be a French colony along the Hooghly River, is a stunning mix of colonial charm and Bengali culture. The heritage architecture and vibrant traditions here showcase a delightful blend of European elegance and local spirit, giving us a peek into a rich history filled with harmony and cultural pride. Chandannagar, an official French trading colony till 1950.
Take a walk through the riverside promenade or “The Strand” and marvel at the architectural beauty of the heritage buildings.
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