Glimpses of India's vibrant Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations, as devotees perform traditional Garba, worship Goddess Durga and visit elaborately decorated pandals.
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.
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"
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.
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.
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.
Cricket legends Sourav Ganguly and Brian Lara joined the Durga Puja festivities in Kolkata on Sunday.
Email your festive pictures and stories to getahead@rediff.co.in (Subjectline: Navratri, Durga Puja, Golu 2025). Don't forget to include your name and location.
North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja's 80th year celebration comes to an end, take a look at last glimpses from the festivity.
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.
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.
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.
Artisan Bijoy Debnath gives the final touch to a unique Goddess Durga idol crafted with 700 matchsticks for Durga Puja in Agartala.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated a Durga Puja pandal that replicates garment shops ahead of Durga Puja in Kolkata on Sunday, October 10, 2021.
A Durga Puja committee in Ranchi modified its Vatican City-themed marquee after objections from a Hindu group. The image of Jesus Christ was replaced with Lord Krishna.
Rani Mukerji and Kajol looked gorgeous as they celebrated Asthami at the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal.
Heavy rains in Kolkata have disrupted Durga Puja preparations, causing damage to pandals and delaying inaugurations. Organizers are working to restore decorations and ensure the festivities can proceed.
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.
The nine-day festival begins this year on October 3. Each day is devoted to one of Ma Durga's nine avatars -- Goddess Shailputri, Goddess Brahmacharini, Goddess Chandraghanta, Goddess Kushmanda, Goddess Skandamata, Goddess Katyayani, Goddess Kalaratri, Goddess Mahagauri and Goddess Siddhidatri.
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.
Like every year, the Mukherjees got together to celebrate Durga Puja, looking beautiful in their colourful traditional wear.
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.
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.
Bollywood folk celebrate Durga Puja at the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja -- or the Mukherjee Bari Pujo -- in Juhu, north west Mumbai, on Thursday, October 14, 2021.
The Mukherjee family reunion at the Durga Puja celebration.
West Bengal is home to 43,000 Durga Pujas, and the business around it is a major economic driver.
Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldinho will visit to Kolkata in October.
Kajol, Ranbir Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Mouni Roy, and Jaya Bachchan got together to celebrate Durga Puja over the weekend.
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.
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.
Durga pujo celebrations continue, and this time, Alia Bhatt joins the Mukherjees at the the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal.
Glimpses of artisans, performers and shoppers preparing for Durga Puja and Navratri celebrations across India.
Tarun Vijay visits 20 Durga Puja pandals in five towns in Bangladesh and comes back impressed.
