Chandannagar; September 2026: As the West Bengal State Tourism Department has announced the celebrations of the Bonjour Chandernagore festival this weekend from September 11th to 13th September, 2026, in the historic former French colony of Chandannagar, West Bengal. Organised by the West Bengal Tourism Department in collaboration with French dignitaries, the festival is designed to recreate the ambiance of a Parisian street right along the iconic Chandernagore Strand.
Chandernagor Heritage, a philanthropic organisation endeavouring the preservation’s of several heritage properties in Hooghly region has raised their voice in adding historical glory to the coveted celebrations.
Kalyan Chakrabortty, a prominent local historian, author, and member of the Chandannagar Heritage Committee who has dedicated decades in preserving and documenting the Franco-Indian history and architectural legacy of Chandannagar, has lauded the initiative of the West Bengal Government State Tourism Department, while reminiscing Chandernagore's relation with France is not only architectural, but also of blood. During World War I, 26 young men from Chandernagore volunteered to fight for France, and Jogendra Nath Sen of Chandernagore, an electrical engineer from Leeds University, became the first Bengali to be martyred in the war on 22 May 1916 in France. The people of Chandannagar would be most pleased if the Government of France and the Tourism Department pay a dignified tribute to these soldiers during the festival. So far, they have received no dignified treatment from the Government of France.
We therefore request :
·A temporary memorial/photo exhibition of Jogendra Nath Sen and the 26 volunteers on the Strand during the festival;
·A minute of silence and laying of wreaths by French representatives on September 11th;
·A permanent plaque on the Strand with names of the soldiers.
This will make Bonjour Chandernagore truly meaningful and not just a decoration.
Team Maverick.
