A carnival modelled after the Durga Puja immersion parade on Red Road is on the cards for Jagaddhatri Puja in Chandernagore this year.

Traditionally, Jagaddhatri idols have been taken out in a procession through three streets of Chandernagore on their way to the immersion ghat. Thousands gather every year to witness the extravaganza.

“The government wants to make the immersion parade a proper show this time,” said an official of the information and cultural affairs department. “A tentative budget of Rs 50 lakh has been drawn up. The blueprint of the proposed carnival would be finalised once chief minister clears it on her return from north Bengal.”

Jagaddhatri Puja begins on November 13 this year. Immersion will be on November 18. The riverside town, along with Bhadreswar, boast 161 pujas, 77 of which will take part in the immersion procession.

Immersion of Jagaddhatri idols usually begins at 5.30pm and continues till dawn. Most idols are immersed at Ranighat, followed by Shibbati Ghat in Chandernagore.

A key attraction of the parade in Chandernagore is the illumination.

“The route of the procession covers around eight kilometres. The main show is on Strand Road, which is nearly 3km long. The central puja committee has finalised the route for this year’s immersion procession,” said Nemai Das, the working president of the central committee that organises Jagaddhatri puja in Chandernagore and Bhadreswar.

The government would like to set up pavilions and invite tourists from across the country and abroad to witness the grand show. The light show would highlight the cultural heritage of Bengal.

“Strand Road in Chandernagore is not as wide as Red Road of Calcutta. So there could be some challenges,” said an officer of the Chandernagore police commissionerate.