Following the phenomenal success of the 3rd edition of London Mahotsav, Candid Communication UK is set to bring its signature cultural celebration to mainland Europe with the maiden edition of ‘Amsterdam Mahotsav 2026’. The Netherlands’ largest Indian-Bengali cultural carnival was officially unveiled at a curtain raiser Press conference in Kolkata. The festival will be held on 28 and 29 November 2026 in Amsterdam and will be inaugurated by His Excellency Shri Kumar Tuhin, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Presented by Candid Communication UK in association with Gouris Foundation, and supported by Holland-e Hoichoi as Community Partner, Amsterdam Mahotsav 2026 aims to bring together the Indian-Bengali diaspora in the Netherlands while introducing the richness and diversity of Indian-Bengali culture to a wider European audience. The festival seeks to create a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, community engagement and the celebration of shared heritage through music, art, food, fashion and entertainment.
The main festival will witness the presence of several distinguished dignitaries and eminent personalities, including His Excellency Kumar Tuhin, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of the Netherlands; eminent Socialite Ms Keya Biswas and other dignitaries from India and The Netherlands.
Adding a vibrant musical dimension to Amsterdam Mahotsav 2026, the festival will bring together an impressive line-up of acclaimed Bengali artists, celebrating the region’s rich musical heritage on an international platform. Eminent singer Rupankar Bagchi will take centre stage on Day 1, followed by celebrated Indian singer-songwriter and Bengali vocalist Sahana Bajpaie on Day 2. The musical line-up will also feature Tathagata Sengupta, Sandipa Dutta and Arnab Basu. Through their distinctive musical styles and performances, the artists will offer audiences an engaging celebration of Bengali music, connecting the Indian-Bengali diaspora with its cultural roots while introducing the richness of its musical heritage to a wider international audience.
After receiving an encouraging response at London Mahotsav 2026, Aminia Hospitality is excited to bring its celebrated culinary experience to mainland Europe through Amsterdam Mahotsav 2026. The initiative will take Kolkata’s rich culinary heritage and signature flavours to the Indian-Bengali diaspora in the Netherlands and a wider international audience. Mr. Kabir Azhar, Director, Aminia Hospitality Private Limited, said, “The response at London Mahotsav 2026 was extremely encouraging and we are excited to bring Aminia to Amsterdam. We look forward to taking Kolkata’s culinary legacy to mainland Europe and connecting with the Indian-Bengali diaspora through the flavours and traditions that define our food culture.”
The festival will also feature an exhibition showcasing major brands and enterprises from across India. Spanning categories such as sarees, ethnic wear, fashion, jewellery, accessories and lifestyle, the exhibition will highlight India’s craftsmanship, traditional artistry and evolving fashion trends. It will provide participating brands with a platform to showcase their offerings, build visibility and explore business networking opportunities, while encouraging cross-cultural exchange between India and the Netherlands.
Adding a special dimension to the festival will be Matrimaa, a one-of-a-kind beauty pageant for mothers curated by Tuhinaa Pandey. The Amsterdam leg of Matrimaa will be organised as part of Amsterdam Mahotsav 2026, celebrating the confidence, individuality and spirit of motherhood. The winners will have the opportunity to participate at the grand finale of Matrimaa during London Mahotsav 2027 on 26th & 27th June.
The festival will also witness the participation of Mr. Rajiv Kumar Paul, Director of Bhooter Raja Dilo Bor and Hindustan Sweets, bringing together personalities from the entertainment and creative industries. His association adds to the diverse cultural character of Amsterdam Mahotsav, which aims to celebrate different forms of artistic expression and create a platform for cultural exchange.
Holland-e Hoichoi, the Local Community Partner, is one of the leading Bengali community organisations in the Netherlands, established in 2015 with the vision of creating a home away from home for Bengalis. Led by its President, Dwaipayan Nath, Holland-e Hoichoi has built a strong community network through its famous Hoichoi Durga Puja over last ten years. “For Amsterdam Mahotsav 2026, Hoichoi will leverage its local network, volunteers and partnerships to mobilise community participation and support the on-ground execution of the festival, making it a memorable celebration of Indian-Bengali culture,” said Dwaipayan Nath, President Holland-e Hoichoi.
Gouris Foundation’s association with Amsterdam Mahotsav 2026 reflects its commitment to initiatives that bring communities together through culture, creativity and meaningful engagement. By supporting a platform that extends beyond traditional cultural celebrations to encompass music, art, food, fashion, entrepreneurship and community participation, the Foundation seeks to encourage a more holistic exchange of ideas, experiences and opportunities between India and the Netherlands.
Ms. Soma Chakraborty, Founder, Gouris Foundation, said, “Our association with Amsterdam Mahotsav stems from our belief that cultural platforms can create a much deeper impact when they go beyond entertainment. The festival’s holistic approach, bringing together art, music, food, fashion, entrepreneurship and community engagement, resonates with our vision of creating meaningful connections and celebrating shared heritage. We are delighted to be part of an initiative that not only brings the Indian-Bengali diaspora in the Netherlands closer to its roots but also creates opportunities for cultural exchange and collaboration with the wider community.”
Mr. Sayantan Das Adhikari, Organiser, Amsterdam Mahotsav and Founder-Director, Candid Communication India and UK, said, “Following the encouraging response to London Mahotsav, we are excited to take this cultural celebration to Amsterdam. Our vision is to create a meaningful bridge between India and the Netherlands through music, art, food, fashion and community engagement. Amsterdam Mahotsav will celebrate the richness of Indian-Bengali culture while bringing the diaspora together and introducing our heritage to a wider international audience.”
With its blend of cultural performances, culinary experiences, fashion, exhibitions and community initiatives, Amsterdam Mahotsav 2026 aims to establish itself as a landmark celebration of Indian-Bengali heritage in the Netherlands.
