Uttam Kumar film posters on display at London Sharad Utsav to celebrate Bengal's Matinee idol's birth centenary year

This is the first time that the Wall of Fame is being organized at the London Sharad Utsav (LSU).

Bengali matinee idol Utsav Kumar is considered as the Mahanayak to the Bengalis across the globe.

This year, the celebration of his birth centenary has begun.

He is also remembered in the pujas of his exile, with a "Hall of Fame" decorated with  film posters of his films; Uttam  will also be remembered through musical evenings. This is an  initiative by the Bengal Heritage Foundation.

This event highlights the rich culture and tradition of Bengal in London every year. This year is the 17th year of the London Sharad Utsav.

Like every year, this year's puja also has many attractions.

This year, the lights of Chandannagar will be filled with the Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub, which is a ten thousand square foot indoor space. Which can be called the largest Durga Puja venue in Europe. As soon as you enter here, the lights of Chandannagar will be spread across a hundred and fifty feet wall.

Pet Puja will be organized at Bakul Talar Math. Kolkata street food, Delhi-like chaat, Indo-Chinese food, as well as rasgulla, jilipi, paan, all will remind you of the streets of Kolkata.

Kolkata priests will be present for the Puja. Starting from Nabapatrika Snan to Pushpanjali, Sandhi Puja, Kumari Puja, Home, Chandipath, Sindoor Khel, everything will be present in this year's Puja.

On the other hand, cultural programs will be organized on the stage. S.D. and R.D. Burman's memory will be marked by musical concert, dance, dhaki, dhunuchi dance, song competitions, and a special edition of the internationally awarded Sharadiya Parbani.

The Durgotsav will be celebrated at the Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub from September 26-28, 2025. Preparations are in full swing now.

Kaushik Chatterjee, President of Bengal Heritage Foundation and (BHF) London Sharad Utsav 2025, said, "This year's London Sharad Utsav promises to be the biggest and most vibrant celebration ever seen in Europe.

"As we bring the grandeur of Durga Puja to the heart of London, we invite everyone to join us. We believe that the rich cultural heritage of Bengal will add an unprecedented dimension to the festival here. Let us make this initiative memorable!"