As Durga Puja approaches, several musical bands and artists are gearing up for performances across the globe, from North America and Europe to Australia. While ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts have raised concerns over visas and travel logistics, most performers remain optimistic about their tours. From Agomoni songs and Rabindrasangeet to popular Bengali hits and fusion music, they are preparing special setlists to bring the festive spirit of Puja to the Bengali diaspora abroad. Calcutta Times spoke to a few musicians to find out where they are headed, whether they have faced any visa-related hurdles, and what they have planned for their overseas audiences this Puja.
Fossils: Heading to Australia
Fossils will perform in Australia for Durga Puja 2026. Lead singer Rupam Islam shared, "There are 11 of us travelling for the tour this time, and thankfully we have managed to complete all the necessary formalities without any major hurdles. Since we are travelling to Australia, we are hopeful that there will not be any issues with flights or travel arrangements. We are keeping our fingers crossed and looking forward to the performances, hoping everything goes smoothly." On keeping the Puja spirit alive abroad, he said, "One of the most rewarding aspects of performing abroad is seeing the younger generation in the audience—the kids who were born and raised there, who may not speak Bangla fluently, yet connect so deeply with our music. During Durga Puja, that connection feels even more special as the music becomes a way for them to stay rooted to their culture and celebrate the festive spirit from afar. I often receive WhatsApp messages from them, sharing videos of themselves performing our songs at various events, or playing our guitar and drum parts, recording them and sending them to me. Creating these connections is incredibly special. But no concert is complete without singing everyone's favourites—Hasnuhana and Acid! Equally satisfying is meeting elderly people who have never listened to rock music before and were initially hesitant about attending a Fossils concert. Knowing that our music can bridge cultures, generations, and musical preferences is perhaps one of the greatest rewards of what we do."
Somlata And The Aces: Touring Canada and USA
Somlata And The Aces will perform in Canada and the USA. Lead singer Somlata Acharyya Chowdhury said, "Our visa for Canada has already been done. The performance visa for the US is currently under process and hopefully it will be done within a week. Six of us from the band are travelling this time, and thankfully we haven't faced any problems with visas so far despite the ongoing war." On the Puja spirit, she added, "When I perform abroad during Durga Puja, audiences usually expect me to sing some of my popular songs such as Mayabono Biharini, Tumi Robe Nirobe, Egiye De, along with Rabindrasangeet and tracks from my albums. Keeping those expectations in mind, I always try to curate my setlist carefully. Since the performances take place during the festive season, I often begin with Agomoni songs to capture the spirit of Durga Puja. This year, I also decided to incorporate some semi-classical elements in a fusion format. My main focus is always to entertain the audience and ensure they have a memorable musical experience."
Chandrabindoo: US Tour Across Multiple Cities
Chandrabindoo will perform in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New Jersey, Washington DC, Sacramento, and Portland. Singer and composer Upal Sengupta said, "We have already applied for US visas for all eight members of our team and are keeping our fingers crossed that everything goes through smoothly. Of course, the ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts have created some concerns regarding visas and travel logistics, and there is always a degree of uncertainty. However, with Durga Puja still more than three months away, we are hopeful that all the formalities will be completed in time and that there will be no major hurdles." On the Puja spirit, he shared, "When we perform abroad during Durga Puja, it often feels as if a little piece of West Bengal has been recreated there. The organisers put in tremendous effort, whether it is in a community hall or an auditorium. From saris and dhoti-punjabis to bhog being cooked and served, every detail reflects the true spirit of Puja. What is even more heartening is seeing foreigners joining in the celebrations and embracing the culture. As a band we have always felt the Durga Puja spirit is often even more intense among Bengalis living abroad because they wait all year for these few days. They eagerly look forward to Bengali cultural programmes and music performances, which help them stay connected to their roots. Through our concerts, we try to enhance that cultural connection and bring a taste of home to them. Our performances usually last around two hours, during which we sing 20 to 22 songs. We have a repertoire of nearly 150 songs, and audiences often look forward to hearing favourites such as Bhindeshi Tara, Juju, Bondhu Tomay, and Gaan Bhalobeshe Gaan. During Puja, we also like to include songs that capture the festive and emotional essence of the season, such as O Thakur Jeo Na Bisarjan and Tapa Tini, making the celebration even more special for the audience."
Bhoomi: USA Performances
Bhoomi will perform in the USA. Soumitra Ray said, "We are travelling to the US this year, and our organiser, Jonai Singh, who has been curating our shows in the States for years, will be arranging the tickets. Since we already fall within the 10-year visa window, we have not had to go through the visa process again and therefore have not faced any complications so far. As of now, our Dallas show has been confirmed for Puja, and we have been informed that performances in other cities are also being planned." On the setlist, he shared, "Our setlist will definitely include some of Bhoomi's iconic tracks that audiences always look forward to. At the same time, we receive a lot of requests for some of our less conventional songs, such as Padmapukur Blues and Pub Akaasher Gaan. We try to strike a balance between the familiar favourites and these special requests to create a memorable Puja experience for audiences abroad."
Lakkhichhara: Norway and the Netherlands
Lakkhichhara will perform in Norway and the Netherlands. Keyboardist Debaditya Chaudhury said, "We have not faced any major visa-related problems so far. However, our travel routes have changed. Earlier, we would usually fly via the UAE using airlines such as Emirates or Etihad, making the journey more direct. Now, we are having to travel from Kolkata to Delhi or Mumbai first and then fly onwards to Oslo, from where we will travel to the Netherlands and other destinations. Our concert dates remain unchanged; it is only the route that has become more circuitous. We may have to travel via London or other transit points, with direct international departures now being taken from Delhi." On the Puja spirit, he added, "Our playlist will naturally feature Lakkhichhara favourites such as Jibon Chaichhe Aro Beshi, Kemon Achho Shohor and Ke Ki Bole Paliye Beray. We will also perform timeless songs by Moheener Ghoraguli, including Prithibi, Haay Bhalobashi and Tomay Dilam. In addition, we curate folk and thematic medleys. For overseas audiences, we usually balance the setlist with around 50 per cent Lakkhichhara songs and 50 per cent other popular tracks, ensuring that everyone remains engaged throughout the three-hour show."
