Kolkata, Aug 10: A good number of tourists from Europe and parts of Far East are taking keen interest in travelling to West Bengal during the Durga Pujas, which is being promoted by the state as the "largest festival in the world". Karan Anand, head-relationships of a top of the line tour operator, today said that the festival has been raising interest among travellers from these countries in visiting Kolkata during the five-day Durga Pujas. "People showing interest are largely from Europe and some parts of Far East," Anand told newspersons here. He said travellers from Europe come in small groups or are backpackers who try to coincide their visit to the eastern India during the Pujas. Among those visiting from the Far East come on medical trips and try to come during pujas. West Bengal Tourism department is also promoting the Durga Pujas in a big way.

"Durga Puja is the largest festival in the world and we are promoting the mega event in a large way in different foreign countries," West Bengal Tourism minister Gautam Deb told PTI. Deb said that the government is expecting thousands of in-bound tourists from various countries.

"People get information from the net as also from friends and develop interest in travelling to exotic destinations and participate in big community festivals," Anand, head-relationship of Cox and Kings, said. He said that young people and couples exhibit more interest in visiting Kolkata during the pujas.