Durga Puja: a weekend of Indian colors at the Musée Guimet

On September 27 and 28, 2025, the Musée Guimet invites visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual and festive fervor of Durga Puja, one of India’s most popular festivals.

Each year, this celebration pays homage to the goddess Durga, victorious over the demon Mahîshâsura, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. At the Musée National des Arts Asiatiques Guimet, the festival will take the form of a rich itinerary, combining shows, encounters, performances and cultural discoveries.

Unique artistic performances

Indian artist Urmi Basak will reinterpret the ephemeral art of Bengal through the creation of alpona, drawings traced on the ground with rice flour and water. These performances, scheduled on both days at 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, 3 pm and 3:30 pm, are free and open to all.

The weekend also features Kathputli, Dances and Puppets of Rajasthan. A blend of theater, dance and traditional puppetry, this entertainment will transport young and old into the poetic and colorful world of the court of Emperor Akbar. Performances on September 27 and 28 at 3pm at the Jean-François Jarrige auditorium (prices: €16, reduced €7).

Meetings and conferences to learn more

On September 27, at 11am and 3pm, Indian scholar Alexandre Astier will lead a series of free lectures (reservation required). His approach will enable us to understand the figure of the great goddess Devî, multiple and complex, through the museum’s collections.

A literary encounter based on the Kali Yuga magazine, founded by André Velter and Sophie Nauleau, will bring together poets, writers and thinkers. With the participation of Bartabas and Jean-Claude Perrier, it will explore the themes of chaos and renewal. See you on September 27 at 4pm in the China – Central Asia rooms (free on reservation).

A festive, musical finale

On Saturday evening, the museum will be transformed into a dancefloor on the Han Rooftop. From 7.30 pm to 11.30 pm, DJ and producer Avantika will perform a set combining Afro-house rhythms, tribal percussion and mystical Indian influences. A free experience open to all.

Practical information

• Dates: Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28, 2025
• Location: Musée Guimet – 6, place d’Iéna, 75116 Paris
• Program: performances, lectures, shows, literary encounters, DJ set
• Prices: free for most activities; Kathputli show (€16 full, €7 concessions)
• Reservations and information: guimet.fr

👉 Also read on Paris Select Book: What to do in Paris this weekend