Durga Puja
Devastating Floods and Landslides in North Bengal: Death Toll Rises to 28 as Rescue Operations Continue
Oct 06, 2025 08:55 pm CST
Rescue operations are ongoing in northern West Bengal as the death toll from devastating floods and landslides reaches 28. Thousands of tourists remain stranded in isolated hill areas while continuous rainfall hampers recovery efforts. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced compensation for victims' families as officials warn of continued heavy rainfall and risk of additional landslides.
Cultural Identity Debate: Taslima Nasreen Claims Bengali Culture Rooted in Hindu Traditions, Javed Akhtar Advocates for Syncretic Appreciation
Sep 30, 2025 07:16 pm CST
Exiled author Taslima Nasreen sparked discourse by asserting all Bengalis belong to India with culture fundamentally rooted in Hindu traditions. Renowned poet Javed Akhtar responded by acknowledging her view while emphasizing the importance of appreciating India's syncretic Ganga-Jamuni cultural heritage that blends Hindu and Muslim influences, highlighting the ongoing conversation about cultural identity in the subcontinent.
PM Modi to Participate in CR Park's Durga Puja Celebrations at Kali Mandir on Ashtami
Sep 30, 2025 10:18 am CST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join Durga Puja celebrations at CR Park's iconic Kali Mandir on Ashtami, prompting enhanced security measures and traffic restrictions throughout South Delhi until October 2. This significant cultural visit highlights the importance of the festival to Delhi's Bengali community, with the temple complex serving as a spiritual hub since the 1970s.
Donald Trump Portrayed as Demon 'Asura' in Bengal Durga Puja Festival Following Trade Tariffs and Visa Restrictions
Sep 28, 2025 05:17 pm CST
A Durga Puja pandal in Baharampur, West Bengal has created controversy by depicting former US President Donald Trump as the demon 'asura', citing his 50% tariffs on Indian goods and strict visa policies as betrayal of friendship with Prime Minister Modi. The artistic representation, created by local artist Asim Pal, has gone viral on social media, sparking debates about the intersection of religion and political commentary during the sacred Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil.
Rainfall Alert: IMD Predicts Wet Weather to Impact 5-Day Durga Puja Festival in West Bengal
Sep 27, 2025 09:00 pm CST
Meteorologists warn of potential rainfall disruption during the upcoming five-day Durga Puja festival in West Bengal as a new low pressure area forms over the Bay of Bengal. The IMD has issued forecasts for heavy precipitation in Kolkata and southern districts, advising caution for festival-goers and fishermen alike as the celebrations commence from September 28.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Severe Action Against Peace Disruptors Amid Festival Season
Sep 27, 2025 07:59 am CST
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed authorities to take stringent action against individuals involved in disrupting peace across multiple districts. During a comprehensive law and order review, the CM expressed concern over provocative processions and inflammatory slogans, ordering immediate FIRs against perpetrators and maintaining his zero-tolerance approach toward criminals, while emphasizing citizen safety as the government's top priority amid the festival season.
Controversy Erupts Over Vatican City-Themed Durga Puja Pandal in Ranchi: VHP Alleges Conversion Agenda
Sep 26, 2025 02:53 pm CST
A Durga Puja celebration in Ranchi has become the center of religious controversy after organizers themed their pandal after Vatican City. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad claims this represents a conversion strategy and disrespects Hindu sentiments, while pandal organizers defend their choice as an artistic recreation inspired by a similar 2022 Kolkata installation, emphasizing India's secular traditions.
BJP Versus Trinamool After Mamata Banerjee's Dandiya At Kolkata Puja Pandal
Sep 25, 2025 02:09 am CST
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today joined women at a puja pandal in Kolkata in a few steps of Dandiya.
Rain, Thunderstorms Predicted In Kolkata In Run Up To Durga Puja
Sep 25, 2025 12:49 am CST
Kolkata, which received over 250 mm of rain on Tuesday leading to severe waterlogging, is likely to receive light to moderate showers with thunderstorms in the run up to Durga Puja, the IMD said on Wednesday.
In Rain-Hit Kolkata, Life Far From Normalcy, Days Before Durga Puja
Sep 24, 2025 11:55 am CST
Life in Kolkata remains out of gear even 24 hours after heavy overnight rain left the city waterlogged ahead of the Durga Puja extravaganza. At least 10 people have died in rain-related incidents, while the City of Joy braces for more showers.