News Broadcasting
News18 Bangla announces special Durga Puja programming lineup
Mumbai: As the auspicious festival of Durga Puja approaches, News18 Bangla has announced a series of exciting and unique programs for its viewers. With the aim of celebrating the essence of this grand festival, the channel has announced its most comprehensive coverage to date, which features a display of more than 2000 Durga Pujas from West Bengal’s rural and semi-urban areas under the programming name “Zilar Sera”.
Durga Puja, the most celebrated festival in West Bengal, is synonymous with grandeur, culture, and tradition. News18 Bangla is committed to bringing the festivities closer to viewers, no matter where they are. From remote corners of every district to the bustling city streets, ‘Zilar Sera’ promises an immersive experience that showcases the grandeur of the Durga Puja from across Bengal.
News18 Bangla has also lined up a variety of unique programs to ensure viewers have a memorable Durga Puja season –
Durga Puja Bulletin: A 30-minute non-stop pre-Puja bulletin that provides a sneak peek into the festival’s preparations, the latest fashion trends, mouthwatering culinary delights, and heartwarming Durga Puja stories from across Bengal.
Pujor Adda: Exploring the culture of Bengali Adda, watch an informal chat show in which celebrities from various fields will share their favourite Pujo experiences and lighten the air with heartfelt Pujo songs.
Dashobhuja: Celebrating the power of women, News18 Bangla will shine a spotlight on 10 remarkable women who have triumphed over societal challenges, inspiring countless others. We proudly call them the Dashobhuja of our society.
Sera Abasan & Kolkatar Sera: These programs seamlessly blend on-air programming with on-ground activations. News18 Bangla will recognize and honor the best Durga Puja celebrations organized by clubs, committees, and RWA complexes through an extensive screening process involving students from art colleges, artists, and celebrities.
Khabordar: The acclaimed prime-time show ‘Khabordar’ takes viewers on an adventure as a fearless woman biker explores the state on her bike, uncovering exclusive stories. This Puja, ‘Khabordar’ will reveal lesser-known Durga Puja stories and delve into the history of Bonedi Bari & Raj Bari.
News18 Bangla is thankful and grateful to its sponsors and partners for making this a colossal event. The presentation sponsors are JIS Group and SNU, it is co-powered by Reliance Industries Ltd and Dear Government Lotteries, and special partners B.N. Ghati, Bimal Saree Center, IIHM, and Wild Stone. Additionally, Samata Co-operative Development Bank and Super Power Detergent have joined as associate sponsors, enhancing the overall Puja experience.
The programming line-up began on 1 October and will continue through 25 October 2023. News18 Bangla is excited to share this joyous season with its viewers and invites everyone to be a part of this grand celebration.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
