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A loudspeaker announcement that a portion of the Chorbagan puja pandal was collapsing allegedly sparked panic among revellers, triggering a stampede-like situation
On October 17, a stampede broke out at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata, claiming 19 lives. The pandal, erected in a narrow space with dim lighting, was filled with people soon after it started raining. Shrabana Chatterjee and Shiv Sahay Singh report on the lapses that led to the tragedy and the questions it has raised about accountability in West Bengal, where the new government’s first Durga Puja celebrations have been marred by controversy
The arrested person was allegedly the announcer at the pandal; allegations came up that wrong announcement of the pandal collapse had triggered panic among people, which may have led to the stampede that left 19 people dead
After the incident, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that the SIT will be headed by a sitting judge of Calcutta High Court
During inspections, officials also stressed the need for adequate lighting and ventilation inside pandals to prevent dark spots, ensure visibility and facilitate crowd management
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari continued to target the Left parties and said its supporters are trying to create anarchy in the country
West Bengal’s first Durga Puja under the BJP government reflects a political shift, with changes in puja committee leadership, themes and a growing emphasis on religious traditions. Shiv Sahay Singh and Shrabana Chatterjee explore the festivities — from debates over food and cultural identity to restrictions on public spaces — to reveal how the new regime is reshaping the State’s political and cultural landscape
Among the 19 dead are 13 females, including two minors; the two other deceased minors are males
She prayed that the blessings of Maa Durga bring happiness and prosperity to all citizens and the nation continues on the path of rapid development
Announcement was made over microphone asking people leave the pandal premises saying that the structure could collapse at any moment. Large number of people had taken shelter in the Durga Puja Pandal as it had started to rain.
While there are some casualties feared, the injured have been taken to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital
Casualties feared, injured have been taken to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital
The crackdown of the book stalls of Left parties is part of the politics that has emerged in the State after the BJP government came to power in May 2026. Enthused with its electoral triumph and the complete dismantling of Trinamool Congress organisation, the BJP has to invent a new political adversary and it has focused on targeting the Left parties.
Sex workers say their annual celebration remains a fight for dignity and acceptance, despite growing participation from public representatives and local residents
The rebel poet’s Agomoni songs, part of the vast canon of Nazrulgeeti, welcome goddess Durga each autumn while conveying powerful social and cultural messages that transcend mere devotion.
The posters were put up across the city by the Hindu Jagaran Manch, an affiliate of the RSS, ahead of the Durga Puja festivities
Chief Minister says Durga Pujas will now follow proper religious traditions, adding that 12,400 more community Durga Pujas are being organised in the State this year