Durga Puja organisers across Kolkata are covering pandals, securing materials and shifting installation work indoors after the Meteorological Department forecast rain over the next three days, with committees also preparing for possible delays about three weeks before the festival.
The immediate concern for organisers is to protect structures, props and other materials already prepared while preventing rain and strong winds from slowing work during a crucial stage of construction. Several committees are monitoring the forecast and adjusting outdoor activity according to weather conditions.
Organisers at Maddox Square, Hatibagan Sarbojanin, Md Ali Park, Kumartuli Sarbojanin, Chorebagan, Chetla Agrani and Thakurpukur SB Park are among those taking precautions. Measures include covering pandals, securing temporary structures against wind and moving installation work indoors where possible.
At United Club in Baguiati, organisers have covered the nearly completed pandal with protective layering and secured it against heavy winds. Work on the section outside the pandal has been suspended for now. “We are a little concerned about the weather forecast. Our pandal work is almost complete, so we are doing everything to protect it,” said Gourab Biswas, secretary of United Club.
At Adibashi Brinda on Kanai Dhar Lane in Amherst Street, organisers have cleared drainage outlets along the roads and moved materials indoors. The committee is taking the step after rain damaged props and inundated the entire pandal last year. “Last year, heavy rain inundated the entire pandal and damaged props. Our entire puja plans turned upside down. This time we are trying to avoid such a situation,” said Somnath Biswas, general secretary.
The forecast has also raised the possibility of losing several preparation days. At Ballygunge Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity, installation work has not started because preparations began late this year. Organisers said they would monitor the weather before deciding whether to pause work. “Our park doesn’t get flooded, but we cannot predict how much it will rain. If there is any weather-related disruption, we might have to pause the preparations for two to three days,” said Abhishek De Biswas of the committee.
At Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin Durgaotsab Committee, organisers have kept wooden planks ready because some parts of the park can be inundated even after a brief spell of rain. “Certain portions of the park have been covered so that materials are kept safely from the rain,” said committee member Debasish Dutta.
The committees are expected to continue monitoring the forecast and decide whether to pause or resume outdoor installation work as weather conditions change. The protective measures are being taken while pandals and associated installations are scheduled to take shape rapidly in the coming weeks.
