📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / HridoyKundu
Religion
Kolkata Police Order Temporary Closure of Major Durga Puja Pandals
✍️ The New Indian Express
🗓 18 Oct 2026, 09:16 AM
👁 11
The Kolkata police have instructed several major Durga Puja organizers to shut down their pandals for a short period, citing an official directive.
Police officials in Kolkata issued an order today directing the management committees of several prominent Durga Puja celebrations to close their pandals temporarily.
The directive, conveyed to the organizers, mandates that the temporary structures be dismantled or sealed until further notice. Authorities described the step as precautionary, aimed at preserving public order and safety during the festival.
The move affects some of the city's most visited puja sites, which typically draw large crowds. Police assured devotees that the closures are short‑term and that they will coordinate with the puja committees to resume activities as soon as conditions allow.
No specific incident has been reported to trigger the order, and officials declined to elaborate on the exact reasons, emphasizing that the safety of worshippers remains the priority.
The directive, conveyed to the organizers, mandates that the temporary structures be dismantled or sealed until further notice. Authorities described the step as precautionary, aimed at preserving public order and safety during the festival.
The move affects some of the city's most visited puja sites, which typically draw large crowds. Police assured devotees that the closures are short‑term and that they will coordinate with the puja committees to resume activities as soon as conditions allow.
No specific incident has been reported to trigger the order, and officials declined to elaborate on the exact reasons, emphasizing that the safety of worshippers remains the priority.