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37m ago

Mahalaya Ushers In Durga Puja Build-Up in Bengal With Security Rollout and Mass Pandal Inaugurations

The state begins festival operations with a 10,000–15,000-strong police deployment as opposition leaders criticise Mamata Banerjee for inaugurating pandals before idol unveilings.

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Navartri 2025: The 9-day festival of Navratri is divine, and each day is associated with a special colour.
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Overview

  • West Bengal Police activated their Durga Puja security plan from Mahalaya, positioning about 10,000–15,000 personnel with Home Guards, NCC cadets and volunteers, and preparing traffic and post-puja carnival arrangements.
  • Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee began inaugurating pandals on September 20 and said she will open around 3,000 across five days, clarifying she did not unveil idols before Mahalaya and would do so thereafter.
  • BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused Banerjee of disrespecting tradition by starting inaugurations ahead of Mahalaya, while TMC figures countered that only pandals—not deities—were unveiled.
  • The festival calendar now moves to Sharadiya Navratri from September 22 to October 2, with Ghatasthapana on Monday morning, and Durga Puja’s main days in Bengal scheduled for September 28 to October 2.
  • Mahalaya was observed with tarpan and Chokkhu Daan in idol workshops as greetings poured in from national leaders, and Kolkata’s massArt preview showcased 24 accessible themed pandals for seniors and persons with disabilities.