West Bengal is celebrating Navratri—widely observed as Durga Puja in the state—with a festive atmosphere across cities and towns. The nine-day period is marked by Durga worship, with temporary pandals set up in streets and neighbourhoods, often designed around artistic themes, world wonders or contemporary social messages.
Traditionally, the festival features large clay idols of Goddess Durga depicted slaying the demon Mahishasura. However, the report says that during earlier Communist and Trinamool Congress governments, several restrictions were imposed, limiting permissions for large events and allowing pandals only in selected locations.
As a result, celebrations had remained largely symbolic for decades. With the BJP now in power in the state, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has decided to allow Durga Puja to be held on a grand scale, and the earlier curbs have not been enforced, making approvals for pandals easier.
In Kolkata, special celebrations are underway at the Eden Gardens ground, featuring drone shows, laser light displays and cultural performances. Across the city, flyovers and prominent buildings have also been repainted and refurbished, with videos circulating widely on social media.
Many social media posts have thanked the state government for granting permissions without imposing earlier restrictions, as the state continues to remain in a festive mood during the celebrations.
