Several prominent Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata were asked to temporarily stop admitting visitors on Saturday evening after a stampede at another pandal killed 19 people and injured 25. Reports say the restrictions were imposed to manage large crowds and prevent further incidents during the ongoing festivities. Read on to know more.
Kolkata Durga Puja Pandals Temporarily Shut After Stampede
According to NDTV, prominent pandals asked to suspend visitor entry included Tala Pratyay, Alipore Sarbojanin, Chetla Agrani and Ballygunge Sarbojanin. The show at Allen Park was also cancelled as officials moved to control crowds at popular festival venues. The organisers of Santosh Mitra Square Puja separately restricted the number of visitors allowed inside.
Puja committee president Sajal Ghosh told the portal that the organisers had managed to scale back entry rather than allowing every visitor into the pandal. A senior Kolkata Police officer said authorities were directing organisers to stop entry wherever they received reports of heavy crowds. The decision was described as temporary, with further steps to be considered after a review. Similar restrictions were imposed in Bidhannagar, near Kolkata, where major pujas in Salt Lake were also asked to stop admitting visitors. The area hosts several large-scale Durga Puja celebrations that draw substantial crowds during the festival.
Also Read: 10 Iconic Kolkata Food Spots To Hit During Durga Puja When Pandal Hopping Makes You Hungry
Authorities To Impose Better Crowd Management
The restrictions followed a deadly incident at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening. Reports said a sudden downpour triggered a surge of people seeking shelter, leading to a crush in the crowded area. At least 19 people died, and 25 were injured, according to recent reports. A senior bureaucrat told the PTI that the state administration and Kolkata Police would hold a review meeting on Sunday to assess the situation and consider further measures. The temporary closures are part of efforts to manage visitor movement at major pandals during one of the busiest periods of the city’s festive calendar.
Also Read: Kolkata Metro To Run Till 4 AM During Durga Puja: Check Dates, Lines & Timings
Nearly 3,500 Durga Puja celebrations are being held across Kolkata, making crowd management a significant challenge for authorities and organisers.
We hope everyone is safe during Durga Puja pandal hopping in Kolkata.
FAQs
Which Durga Puja pandal is famous in Kolkata?
Kolkata features several globally famous Durga Puja pandals known for their grand architecture, lights, and artistic themes.
Where is Chorbagan in Kolkata?
Chorbagan is a neighbourhood located in central-north Kolkata, near Muktaram Babu Street, Malapara, and the Ram Mandir area.
How many Durga Puja pandals are there in Kolkata?
There are more than 3,000 major community (Barowari) Durga Puja pandals set up annually across Kolkata.
