Durga Puja revelers flocked to the streets of Kolkata on Sunday, September 28, 2025, anticipating adverse weather as rain is forecasted due to an impending low-pressure system forming over the North and Central Bay of Bengal. Despite a heavy downpour on Monday morning that tragically claimed ten lives, the spirit of the festival remained unyielding, with people determined to enjoy the celebrations.
The Indian Meteorological Department warned of light to moderate rainfall across West Bengal, with certain districts expecting isolated pockets of heavy to very heavy rainfall from October 2 to 4. As the festivities enter their peak days this week-Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami-Kolkata’s vibrant pandal-hopping culture continues to attract large crowds. A noticeable trend has emerged in recent years, with attendees exploring pandals ahead of the main celebrations. The culmination of the festival will take place at the Durga Puja carnival scheduled for October 5 at the iconic Red Road.
The enthusiasm for the festivities was mirrored in the Kolkata Metro’s record passenger numbers, with an impressive 982,000 travelers reported on Panchami, September 27. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the international recognition of Kolkata’s Durga Puja during his “Man Ki Baat” broadcast, referencing its inclusion in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in 2021. “If we accord our cultural events such global recognition, the world will also know about them, understand them, and come forward to participate in them,” he stated.
On the political front, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her greetings to the community on Sasthi, complemented by a performance from Trinamool Congress Minister Babul Supriyo. In Central Kolkata, after route diversions disrupted events, organizers at Md. Ali Park reopened their pandal following discussions with the Kolkata Police. This came after allegations from Santosh Mitra Square organizers, who claimed police interference during their themed light and sound show, “Operation Sindoor.”
Across the suburbs and districts of West Bengal, large crowds gathered to partake in the festive activities, with an estimated 3,000 Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata and around 40,000 statewide. The West Bengal government has allocated ₹1.10 lakh to each pandal, costing the state ₹500 crore to support the vibrant celebrations.
As Kolkata prepares to embrace the coming days of festivity, the atmosphere buzzes with energy, resilience, and a deep sense of cultural pride. The city remains united in its celebrations, despite the challenges posed by nature, highlighting the enduring spirit of Durga Puja as a centerpiece of Bengal’s heritage.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/durga-puja-revellers-flock-early-to-pandals-in-wb-fearing-rain/article70106139.ece
Category : Kolkata
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Publish Date: 2025-09-29 03:05:00
