Initiated by the West Bengal Government, it has evolved as a large public event showcasing art, music, dance, and traditional Bengali culture.

It was an initiative of the West Bengal Government to turn Kolkata's renowned Durga Puja into a larger cultural extravaganza.

Some key activities include: Each year, the Carnival grows in scale, with hundreds of thousands attending to enjoy the cultural performances and revelry.

[11] The Kolkata Carnival serves as a platform to celebrate the spirit of Durga Puja, which was inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021.

The event also brings in significant economic benefits, boosting local businesses, tourism, and the city's economy during the festive season.