A different Durga Puja in Kolkata: New colours, new crowd-pullers and new concerns

Kolkata’s Durga Puja this year unfolded under a new government, with changes to the cityscape, shifts in themes drawing attention at pandals, and new gathering spots for youngsters. Here’s a look back at what made the festival different in 2026.

A makeover before Puja

Before the festival, several prominent stretches of the city received a colourful makeover. The Gariahat and Chingrighata flyovers, along with a portion of Red Road, were painted in rainbow colours. However, the experiment soon ran into trouble after two-wheelers skidded on the painted surfaces. The authorities were prompted to remove the paint and install reflectors.

Transition of colours

The city’s familiar blue-and-white road dividers and barricades also got a yellow-and-white makeover at several locations. At many places, the yellow was replaced with black following international standards of road safety. 

Shift in themes

Like every year, the pandals showcased the creativity that defines Kolkata’s Durga Puja, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Mythological narratives and themes of history and patriotism were prominent this year at several popular pujas. Installations inspired by the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Shiv Tandav drew attention, while some organisers marked Uttam Kumar’s birth centenary with themes dedicated to the legendary actor. Suruchi Sangha paid tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee through their theme. 

Missing themes at a few puja committees

At the same time, several big-budget pujas, including Sreebhumi, Behala Buroshibtala, Baghajatin C-Block and 78 Palli Behala, had a very muted pujo in comparison to other years. Sreebhumi, known for its elaborate installations and large crowds, did not appear to draw the same level of attention despite their theme that represented the Hawa Mahal of Rajasthan.

New crowd pullers

Allen Park, Santosh Mitra Square and Chorebagan, on the other hand, emerged as prominent crowd pullers, underlining how the festival’s popular destinations can change from one year to the next.

Riverfronts became evening destinations

Kolkata’s riverfronts and open spaces became popular gathering points, particularly for younger revellers. Prinsep Ghat, Kumartuli Ghat and Millennium Park attracted crowds with their lighting and decorations.

Prinsep Ghat, in particular, turned into an open-air disco after 7pm, with youngsters gathering to dance to DJ music. 

Red Road, meanwhile, was opened up as a walking street after the Mahalaya event, offering another space for people to gather away from the usual pandal routes to take pictures and videos.

Crowd management under scrutiny

Crowd management remained a concern, as heavy footfall at several theme pujas made it difficult. The stampede at north Kolkata’s Chorbagan was one of the unfortunate incidents during the festivities. About 19 people died, and more than 25 were hospitalised after a stampede occurred on October 17. Security was tightened after the incident, with more police and volunteers being deployed in and around the big-name puja committees. Videography and photography inside the pandals were prohibited after the incident. The police made repeated announcements asking visitors to put their phones down. Balloon batons were used to ‘hit’ hands to stop people from taking photographs and videos. 

Kolkata Police volunteers busy reeling 

My Kolkata took a tour around parts of south Kolkata and found stretches where police personnel and civic volunteers appeared to be insufficiently deployed. Some volunteers in orange T-shirts appeared young and inexperienced, with several seen using mobile phones while on duty. My Kolkata also found social media reels posted by volunteers in uniform during their deployment, raising questions about the supervision and training of those assigned to manage the crowds.

Pedestrians and bikers flout rules

Pedestrians not following rules were another concern. Barricades had been placed along footpaths at several locations to prevent crowds from spilling onto roads. But near Maddox Square, along Southern Avenue and around Deshapriya Park, people were frequently seen walking on the road instead of using the footpath.

The situation also raised questions about the enforcement of traffic rules. Two-wheelers were often seen carrying more than two people. Sometimes three and even four people rode pillion. Several riders travelled without helmets. The lack of intervention in some instances stood out against the stricter traffic management usually associated with the city’s biggest annual festival.