Overview

• Kolkata’s Hazra Park Durgotsab opened its “Drishtikon” pandal featuring a 30-foot Durga idol, described by organisers as the city’s tallest this year.
• Patriotic and topical narratives are prominent, with Santosh Mitra Square and multiple Ranchi committees mounting ‘Operation Sindoor’ displays on the Pahalgam attack and India’s response, and some sites now open to visitors.
• In Puri, Sahi Gali artisans said they are creating an approximately 25-foot rope-framed Goshani idol among about 50 idols being prepared for Sharadiya Puja.
• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the state’s Durga Angan cultural complex has cabinet approval and land identified, with a two-year completion target near New Town’s Eco Park.
• Early crowds are visiting themed installations from Salt Lake’s block pujas to Kolkata malls’ mandaps, while regional programming ranges from Tripura’s state-run Durgabari rituals to Mumbai events featuring Purulia Chhau and Baul music.