Anticipating the possibility of adverse weather and impending rain, Durga Puja enthusiasts in Kolkata turned out in impressive numbers on Sunday, September 28, 2025. This early rush was prompted by forecasts of a low-pressure area developing over the North and adjoining Central Bay of Bengal, signaling potential rainfall.
On Sasthi, the sixth day of the festival, crowds thronged pandals from the city’s northern to southern corners. Despite heavy rains on Monday morning that tragically resulted in 10 fatalities, the spirit of the festival remains undimmed, with revelers setting aside concerns about the recent deluge.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a statement forecasting ‘light to moderate rainfall at most places over West Bengal, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely over some districts of West Bengal during 2nd to 4th October’ due to the anticipated low-pressure system.
Kolkata Metro Sees Record Ridership of 9.82 Lakh
The heart of Durga Puja celebrations traditionally unfolds over the four main days: Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami. However, a growing trend has seen devotees begin their pandal tours even before Saptami, a practice that continued this year. The grand finale of the festival will be the spectacular Durga Puja carnival on Red Road, slated for October 5.
Kolkata Metro reported an unprecedented passenger turnout on Saturday, September 27 (Panchami), accommodating a staggering 9.82 lakh commuters across its various lines – its highest-ever recorded count. Adding to the celebratory mood, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Durga Puja’s 2021 inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list during his Sunday ‘Man Ki Baat’ address.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of such global recognition, stating, “Friends, some time ago, thanks to similar efforts by the Government of India, Kolkata’s Durga Puja also earned its place on this UNESCO list. When our cultural events receive such international acclaim, the world not only learns about them but also embraces and participates in them.” Further enhancing the festive spirit, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her greetings on Sasthi and shared a special song performed by Trinamool Congress Minister Babul Supriyo.
In Central Kolkata, organizers of the Md. Ali Park Puja Pandal, which had temporarily closed on Saturday due to route diversions, reopened on Sunday following a constructive meeting with Kolkata Police. This came after a contentious incident on Saturday where organizers of Santosh Mitra Square alleged police harassment concerning their light and sound presentation, themed ‘Operation Sindoor’.
Beyond the city limits, impressive turnouts were also reported in Kolkata’s suburbs and various districts throughout West Bengal. The state boasts an estimated 3,000 Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata alone, with a staggering 40,000 across West Bengal. The state government generously contributed ₹1.10 lakh to each pandal, a collective expenditure of ₹500 crore from the state exchequer.