Glimpses of India's vibrant Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations, as devotees perform traditional Garba, worship Goddess Durga and visit elaborately decorated pandals.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari said an announcement by the organisers of the community Durga Puja at Chorbagan off Chittaranjan Avenue in north Kolkata led to a rush among the revellers, causing the "painful incident"
Following a stampede-like situation that resulted in 18 deaths and 25 injuries, several prominent Durga Puja organisers in Kolkata were instructed by authorities on Saturday evening to temporarily close their pandals to visitors. This decision affects major crowd-pulling pujas and extends to areas like Bidhannagar, with a review meeting scheduled for Sunday.
A youth was killed and another critically injured in an alleged mob assault in Kamrup district, Assam, during Durga Puja festivities on Monday night. The incident occurred after their two-wheeler slipped, leading to an attack by a group of people. Police are investigating the exact cause and identity of the culprits.
A stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saturday evening resulted in 19 deaths and 25 injuries. The Chief Minister announced compensation and a SIT probe, while officials have been detained and crowd-pulling pujas advised to close.
Families of the 19 victims of the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede are grappling with immense grief, unable to partake in the festivities. Many recount the tragic night, highlighting alleged lapses in crowd control and inadequate police presence at the Chorbagan pandal. Survivors share harrowing experiences of losing loved ones in the crush.
Three youths died and three others were injured in Assam's Darrang district when their car collided with a truck. The accident occurred around midnight on NH-15 as they were returning from visiting Durga Puja pandals. Two died on the spot, and one succumbed to injuries later.
'Ma would fiddle with the radio's knob until the static gave way to music; then, the voice would come on. I would be half-asleep still, understanding little of the Sanskrit words I heard but the words in chants, interspersed with songs, cast a spell. I still remember the goosebumps I felt as the epic tale of Goddess Durga's birth and battles unfolded,' says Radha Roy Biswas.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at 15 locations connected to former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen and others, probing alleged financial irregularities in Durga Puja preview shows organised by massArt, an organisation headed by Sen's wife. The investigation under PMLA focuses on the alleged collection and diversion of Rs 50-60 crore and potential links to a private art gallery.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly offered prayers on Maha Ashtami and expressed profound sadness over the tragic stampede at a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal, urging devotees to exercise extreme caution amidst large crowds.
North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja's 80th year celebration comes to an end, take a look at last glimpses from the festivity.
Following a tragic stampede at the Chorebagan Durga Puja in north Kolkata that killed 19 and injured 24, police have detained 12 people, including event organisers. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has promised strict action against those responsible for crowd mismanagement and announced an SIT investigation into the incident.
A high-level committee, formed after a deadly stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, reviewed safety arrangements at several community puja pandals. The committee announced new measures, including prohibiting food stalls near entry/exit points and eliminating separate VIP entries, to enhance crowd management and safety during the festival.
Kolkata Police are investigating a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal that killed 19 and injured 25. They are searching for a person who allegedly made a false announcement about the pandal collapsing, which may have caused panic. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and examining why the exit was congested while entry remained open.
Kajol, Tanuja, Tanishaa Mukerji and Ayan Mukerji came together to unveil Maa Durga's idol at the 80th North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja, which celebrates the spirit of tradition and family.
Following a fatal pandal stampede, the West Bengal government has deployed nine experienced IPS officers to manage Durga Puja crowds in Kolkata. The Kolkata Police also issued an 11-point advisory, detailing measures like closing pandal entries during rain, regulating visitor movement, and coordinating with puja organisers to ensure safety during the festive rush.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede, which killed 19 people, was primarily due to human error. He visited victims' families, assured assistance, and announced an inquiry by a retired judge, with the report expected within three months. The CM also plans to meet puja committees on October 26 to discuss future safety measures.
Kajol, Ranbir Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Mouni Roy, and Jaya Bachchan got together to celebrate Durga Puja over the weekend.
Kolkata Police have launched an investigation into the stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal that resulted in 19 deaths on Saturday evening. The probe focuses on potential lapses in crowd management, confusion over entry/exit routes, and the impact of heavy rain. Eyewitnesses and locals have pointed to inadequate police presence and poor communication, while the Chief Minister also raised concerns about dimly lit pandals and the actions of private security.
An assistant sub-inspector of Kolkata Police has been arrested for allegedly molesting a 21-year-old woman civic volunteer outside a Durga Puja pandal in south Kolkata. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday night, and a video of the alleged act has gone viral.
Artisan Bijoy Debnath gives the final touch to a unique Goddess Durga idol crafted with 700 matchsticks for Durga Puja in Agartala.
Odisha Police have arrested Raja Sahani, an undertrial prisoner who escaped from Choudwar Circle Jail in Cuttack during last year's Durga Puja celebrations. He was apprehended in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, after months on the run.
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee has questioned the lack of arrests of BJP leaders associated with the Chorbagan Durga Puja committee following a stampede that killed 19 people. He alleged that police are instead targeting citizens who question the government, while Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari warned against "fake narratives" and police made an arrest for spreading misinformation. Banerjee accused the police administration of being exploited for political gain and protecting BJP leaders.
Glimpses of artisans, performers and shoppers preparing for Durga Puja and Navratri celebrations across India.
A 25-year-old survivor, Sonu Pal, recounts the tragic stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata where his mother died. The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening during a sudden downpour, claimed 19 lives and injured 25 others. Relatives of the victims are demanding accountability from authorities and organisers for the poor crowd management.
Preliminary post-mortem reports indicate that asphyxia due to intense chest pressure was the likely cause of death for most of the 19 victims in a Durga Puja pandal stampede in Kolkata. Reports also noted serious internal injuries, including damage to vital organs and fractures, in some victims.
The body of a 30-year-old woman, Geeta Devi, who was allegedly abducted on Tuesday, was recovered from a paddy field in Palamu district, Jharkhand, on Wednesday. Police have initiated an investigation, and a post-mortem will determine if she was sexually assaulted. Villagers protested the incident by blocking a highway.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has initiated an investigation into the role of temporary home guards following a stampede at a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal that killed 19 people. Adhikari criticised the previous administration and highlighted issues with crowd management and the conduct of home guards during the incident. The probe will also include puja organisers and licensing authorities, while a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed. Seven people, including organisers, have been arrested.
The Calcutta High Court on Thursday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen in a cheating case. Sen is accused of commercialising Durga Puja by selling high-priced preview show tickets through an organisation allegedly linked to him and his family, diverting government funds. The court noted "trappings of corruption" and the Enforcement Directorate is also investigating.
Durga Puja celebrations hit a notch higher as many more film folk paid the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Pooja pandal a visit to seek blessings, partake in the bhog and even serve it.
Five members of a family, including two women, were arrested in Jharkhand's Seraikela-Kharswan district for the murder of a youth and injuring three others. The incident occurred after an altercation at a fast food stall on Mahanavami day, where the victim cancelled a food order due to delay, leading to an attack by the stall owner and family members.
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh asserted that eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja is not controversial, countering Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri's call for vegetarianism. Ghosh highlighted Bengal's traditions, including goat sacrifice as prasad, and criticised attempts to dictate food choices or government involvement in community pujas. He also touched upon a controversy regarding an 11-handed Durga idol.
Controversial wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel has been included in Bengal's Ranji Trophy squad for their season opener against Delhi at Kalyani, following his recent bail in a rape case. The squad also features India pacers Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep.
West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya's comments recalling the role of non-Bengali communities during the 1946 communal riots and alleging past restrictions on Durga Puja have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the TMC, Congress, and CPI(M). Bhattacharya appealed for unity for peaceful Durga Puja celebrations, while opposition leaders accused him of divisive politics and distorting history.
The Gauhati High Court has granted bail to suspended Assam Police DSP Sandipon Garg, an accused in the mysterious death case of singer Zubeen Garg. Garg, charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, is expected to be released after the Durga Puja holidays. This follows earlier bail grants to other accused in the high-profile case, even as investigations continue despite conflicting findings from Singaporean authorities.
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A football friendly match between India and Brazil, featuring star player Vinicius Jr, saw a surprisingly low attendance at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. High ticket prices and the ongoing Durga Puja festival are cited as the primary reasons for the subdued response, contrasting sharply with the usual fan frenzy for local derbies and past international events.
Rani Mukerji's mother, Krishna Mukherjee, passed away after a brief illness.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that only followers of 'Sanatan Dharma' would be permitted to touch Durga idols during immersion in the Hooghly river, citing religious traditions. He also reviewed extensive security and safety arrangements for the immersion process, including NDRF involvement and precautions for spectators at Taki, following a recent stampede incident.
The Durga idol of Chorbagan Sarbojanin will be immersed on Saturday under strict police supervision, even as the investigation into the stampede that claimed 19 lives continues. The immersion was cleared by the SIT, which directed the puja pandal be preserved. Forensic experts have raised concerns about ventilation, and police have arrested two announcers, bringing the total to nine. One announcer's Facebook post after arrest has raised questions.
