SIR in Bengal: ECI team to review complaints on BLO selection anomalies
Kolkata: A team of the Election Commission of India, led by Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti, will review next week the complaints regarding widespread irregularities in the selection of West Bengal government employees as booth-level officers (BLOs), despite them not meeting the selection criteria mandated by the ECI. The ECI team will also review the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Kolkata celebrates the Red Road Immersion Carnival 2025 today with 113 Puja committees, VIP guests, and global diplomats. The city's heart turns festive as traffic curbs and parking bans are in place for the grand Durga Puja farewell.
Kolkata Tops 'Safe Cities' List Again. What RG Kar Victim's Parents Said
The father of the RG Kar Medical College rape victim has strongly contested the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report that labels Kolkata as the safest city in India, calling it a misrepresentation of ground realities.
RG Kar Rape Victim's Family Rejects NCRB Report Naming Kolkata Safest City
He alleged that the report was based on paperwork rather than real conditions, claiming that 90 per cent of incidents in the city go unreportednews
Trinamool highlights NCRB report on low crime rate in Kolkata
The BJP leadership in the State, however, disputed the claims of Kolkata being the safest city and claimed that the data provided by the West Bengal government to NCRB is manipulated to present a rosypicture
Minor girl from Kolkata gang-raped in Patna, seven held
A minor girl from Kolkata was gang-raped in Patna after being lured with false promises of orchestra work. Police rescued three girls, including the minor, from captivity where they faced prolonged abuse for two days. Seven individuals, including a woman, were arrested and booked under BNS and POCSO Act, as police suspect an attempt to push them into flesh trade.
After NCRB data shows Kolkata safest metro, TMC slams BJP for 'maligning' Bengal on law and order
Kolkata emerged as India's safest metropolitan city in 2023, according to new NCRB data. The city reported the lowest cognisable crime rate among 19 metros. This led to political debate between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. TMC highlighted the achievement, while BJP questioned the state's law and order situation. Other major cities showed significantly higher crime figures.
RBI has kept possibility of future rate cuts open: Report
KOLKATA, Oct 4: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept the possibility of future rate cuts open, with its monetary policy committee (MPC) sharply revising its inflation forecast downwards, according to a recent report by Crisil Intelligence. The central bank had on October 1 kept its policy interest rate unchanged at 5.5 per cent for the second consecutive time, citing concerns over tariff uncertainties. The report said the MPC acknowledged that GDP growth would face downside risks in the [] The post RBI has kept possibility of future rate cuts open: Report appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
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Bihar cabinet approves honorarium hike for ANMs, doubles scholarship, clears key projects
PATNA: In a significant pre-election move, the Bihar government has approved a series of welfare and infrastructure development proposals, including an increase in the monthly honorarium for contractual Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) workers in urban areas from Rs 11,500 to Rs 15,000. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday, which saw approval of 129 proposals in total. Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Cabinet Department, Arvind Kumar Choudhary, said the revised honorarium would include a 5% annual increment, aimed at strengthening the states vaccination efforts. In another key decision, the cabinet doubled the annual scholarship for Class 9 and 10 students belonging to the general category (including minorities) under the Mukhyamantri Balak/Balika Scholarship scheme. The scholarship amount has been increased from Rs 1,800 to Rs 3,600 per student, resulting in an estimated additional annual expenditure of Rs 99.21 crore. The cabinet also gave its nod to the establishment of the Bihar Film and Theatre Institute, designed to address the lack of institutional training in film and theatre arts in the state. To boost tourism infrastructure, approval was granted for the construction of a five-star hotel on 3.24 acres of land at the Bankipore bus stand in Patna. The project will be undertaken by a Kolkata-based private firm, which has been issued a Letter of Award. Additionally, an Ahmedabad-based firm has been appointed chief consultant for the integrated development of the Vishnupad Temple area in Gaya, modelled on Varanasis Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. For womens safety and rehabilitation, the cabinet approved the conversion of short-stay homes under the Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Yojana into Shakti Sadan centres. These centres will offer comprehensive shelter and support to women in distress, including survivors of human trafficking. In a move to simplify processes for pensioners, the government has selected CSC E-Governance Services India Ltd, a special purpose vehicle, to handle annual life certification. Pensioners can now complete the process free of cost at nearby CSC kiosks. Earlier on Friday, the state government also announced a 3% hike in dearness allowance for employees and pensioners, raising it from 55% to 58%, effective ahead of Diwali and Chhath festivals.
Jeet began his career as a cable TV operator in South Kolkata. His film Saathi brought him fame in 2002. He is now a prominent Bengali actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Jeet recently made his Hindi debut in the web series Khakee. He credits hard work for his journey. His definition of success includes family milestones. Read on to know more about his journey
TMC, BJP step up political activities after Durga Puja in West Bengal
While the BJP leadership was huddled in a meeting with newly appointed election observers in Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress has announced an outreach of Vijaya Sammilani in all blocks across the State.
Of faith, fervour and family: Durga Puja celebrations in rural Bengal
Unlike Kolkata's commercial celebrations, the rural Puja meticulously upholds faith and tradition, reaffirming precious family bonds and gratitude to ancestors, embodying true cultural heritage for the globally dispersed family.
'Focus is clear': Day after Puja festivities, TMC and BJP resume focus on 2026 Bengal polls
Barely a day after the Durga Puja festival concluded officially, West Bengal's political stage was reset on Friday with both the ruling Trinamool Congress and its principal challenger BJP wasting no time in shifting gears for the assembly elections due next year. While the BJP's central leadership descended on Kolkata for a marathon stock-taking and strategy session, the TMC sought to turn the Durga Puja fervour into a calibrated mass outreach drive, with party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee personally leading the festive optics and announcing a statewide series of Vijaya Sammelanis (post-Puja gatherings) from Sunday. The Durga Puja officially concluded on Thursday with Vijaya Dashami, but the immersion of idols will continue for a few more days. Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav and BJP's Lok Sabha MP Biplab Deb, the party's observer and co-observer respectively, to oversee the 2026 state elections, landed in Kolkata Friday morning to hold their first round of consultations after being handed charge by the party high command last month. The two, joined by central observers Sunil Bansal and Amit Malviya, huddled with state leaders including president Shamik Bhattacharya, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, Union minister Sukanta Majumdar, former BJP Mahila Morcha chief Locket Chatterjee, and the party's organisational leadership at its Salt Lake headquarters. According to party insiders, the closed-door meeting dwelt on granular electoral arithmetic, from districts where the BJP lost narrowly in 2021 assembly elections to areas that showed promise in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The focus is clear. Every organisational reshuffle and assignment will be decided on the basis of electoral gains and losses. No decision will be taken without weighing its poll arithmetic, a senior BJP functionary said. The saffron party leadership also emphasised the importance of the Election Commission's upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The party's focus would also remain on effective implementation of the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The exercise will begin shortly after the Puja vacations. If SIR is implemented properly here, names of a large number of illegitimate voters will be deleted, severely jeopardising Mamata Banerjee's chances for a fourth tenure, a BJP leader said. Though Yadav and Deb have been tasked with steering the poll machinery, leaders present said Bansal's pivotal role was underlined in the very first meeting. No major call can bypass Bansal, another party insider said. If the BJP camp projected urgency and structure, the Trinamool Congress sought to wrap its outreach in festival sentiment. During the Puja, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was spotted pandal-hopping in Dum Dum, Baguiati and other Kolkata neighbourhoods with his daughter, sampling street food, chatting with migrant workers, and even handing out gifts. The themes of the pandals he chose migrant labourers, Bengal's role in the freedom struggle were not accidental. They dovetail neatly into the TMC's political narrative, a party insider admitted. But the real organisational push begins this weekend, when the TMC rolls out block-level Vijaya Sammelanis across the state, coinciding with the government's grand Puja Carnival on Red Road here led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Around 50 ministers, MPs and MLAs have been tasked to crisscross the state to explain welfare schemes, network with grassroots voters and prepare cadres for the booth battle once the electoral roll revision begins. These are not just courtesy gatherings. The Sammelanis will set the campaign tone and sharpen cadre preparedness, a senior TMC leader said. The ruling party has previously used post-Puja gatherings as a springboard to shake off organisational lethargy - notably after the doctors' agitation at RG Kar Hospital last year. This time, the challenge is different. There is institutional fatigue, especially among the urban middle class. The danger is it may snowball into a larger anti-TMC wave, a party strategist said, pointing to the BJP's gains in several urban pockets in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. For Abhishek Banerjee, the shift from mass rallies to puja pandal strolls marks a visible recalibration. Durga Puja is about people, emotion and identity. Abhishek has chosen to be in the middle of it, not watching from the sidelines, a leader said, adding that the style change was aimed at plugging urban gaps and projecting accessibility. As the dust of the Puja settles, West Bengal's two main rivals appear determined to make every festive tradition count in their battle of optics and organisation. For the BJP, the urgency is to iron out factional rifts and sharpen strategy under central eyes; and for the TMC, it is to convert emotion into mobilisation while countering anti-incumbency after nearly 15 years in power. The festive lights may be dimming, but Bengal's political arena is only beginning to flare up.
Baazar Style Retail slipped 11% from the days high despite reporting a 71% YoY jump in Q2 revenue to Rs 532 crore. The stock initially reacted positively to the updates, surging nearly 4% but saw a sharp drop as the day progressed. The Kolkata-based value fashion retailer added 20 new stores in the quarter, driving strong sales momentum and double-digit Same Store Sales Growth.
Households see easing in price pressures in major food and non-food products: RBI Survey
Indian households reported easing price pressures. The RBI survey indicated moderation in inflation expectations. Near-term inflation forecasts dropped. One-year ahead expectations also fell. Younger respondents showed a lower current inflation perception. Kolkata recorded the highest current inflation perception among cities. The survey offers insights into household views.
5 yrs on, India, China to restart direct flights later this month
India announced the resumption of direct air services with China from late October, a significant step towards normalizing bilateral relations. This follows PM Modi's recent meeting with President Xi Jinping and earlier tourist visa resumption, aiming to boost people-to-people contact and economic cooperation. IndiGo will launch Kolkata-Guangzhou flights on October 26.
Idol immersion marks culmination of Durga Puja in West Bengal
The immersion will continue over the next few days till Sunday, when State government has organised Durga Puja carnival when over 100 big ticket Pujas of Kolkata will participate in the mega event
After five years, India-China direct flights set to resume on October 26
IndiGo to launch services from Delhi and Kolkata to Guangzhou on October 26, with Air India expected to resume flights to Shanghai by year-end.
Indian airlines to start resumption of flights to China by end of this month
Indian and Chinese airlines will resume direct flights between the two countries by the end of October after a five-year suspension. IndiGo will launch daily non-stop KolkataGuangzhou flights from October 26, with a DelhiGuangzhou route to follow, and plans to operate double daily services. Air India is preparing to start DelhiShanghai flights, pending approvals.
Deep depression to bring heavy rain in Bengal
In its forecast for Kolkata till Friday morning, the IMD said that a few spells of light to moderate rain with or two intense spells of rain is very likely to occur.
Deep depression to bring heavy rain in West Bengal
A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall across West Bengal, dampening Durga Puja celebrations on Bijoya Dashami. The system, expected to cross Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts, will cause intense downpours in several districts, including Kolkata, till October 6, with warnings issued for fishermen and potential waterlogging.
India a passionate football nation, honour to return: Lionel Messi
KOLKATA: Lionel Messi on Thursday confirmed his participation in the much-anticipated GOAT Tour of India 2025, calling it an honour to revisit the passionate football nation country where he last played 14 years ago. It is such an honour for me to make this trip. India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago -- the fans were fantastic. India is a passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game, Messi said in an official statement. The organisers had already unveiled the itinerary on August 15, and Messi's statement on Thursday marked the first time the football icon himself confirmed the visit. Messi will begin his whirlwind four-city tour in Kolkata on December 13 before travelling to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. The trip will end with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15. During the tour, the Argentine superstar will headline concerts, meet-and-greet sessions, food festivals, football masterclasses, and even a padel exhibition at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium. Lionel Messi's India tour to begin in Kolkata on December 12 In Kolkata, Messi's event will be held at Salt Lake Stadium which was also confirmed on Thursday. The stadium will host the legend for the second time this time in the GOAT Concert' and GOAT Cup' on December 13, where Messi is expected to share the field with Indian icons Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia and Leander Paes. Organisers are also planning a 25-foot-high mural to be unveiled during Durga Puja festivities, along with the inauguration of Messi's biggest-ever statue. Tickets for the events are expected to start from Rs 3,500. This will be Messi's first visit to India since 2011, when he captained Argentina in a FIFA friendly against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium. Promoter Satadru Dutta, who secured the authorisation earlier this year after meetings with Messi and his father, has promised a spectacle blending Indian and Argentine culture. A food and tea festival in Kolkata will highlight Messi's fondness for Argentine made tea, with a special Assam fusion. In Mumbai, Messi will also attend the Padel GOAT Cup and participate in a celebrity line-up that could include Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Bollywood stars. Security arrangements are expected to be unprecedented, with both Messi's team and local authorities involved. GOAT's own country: Ahead of Messi's arrival, Kerala readies itself for more than just a football match Messi in Kerala too in November? Even as Messi prepares for his December commitments, the Argentina national football team has included India in its schedule for a November FIFA international window. The Lionel Scaloni-coached world champions are set to play a friendly in Kerala between November 10-18, though the opponents and venue are yet to be finalised. If that visit goes ahead, it could mean Messi making two trips to India within two months. However, it remains to be seen whether the 38-year-old forward will feature in the Kerala match. I will be surprised if the legendary footballer comes twice in a month. However, it is most likely that the Argentina team minus Messi may come to play in Kerala, a source in the state said. Fans wait with fingers crossed as Messi, Argentina 'set' for Kerala in November The November friendly will be part of three games during the window, with the other two scheduled in Angola. The Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will have two FIFA friendly windows in the remainder of 2025, the AFA had said in its statement. The first, in October, from the 6th to the 14th, will be played in the United States (opponents and cities to be determined). The second, from the 10th to the 18th of November, will be played in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India (opponents to be determined), it added. Messi, an Olympic gold medallist and 2022 World Cup-winning captain, continues to attract unprecedented fanfare worldwide, and his December tour is expected to be one of the biggest football-related events ever staged in India. Kerala races against time to ready Greenfield Stadium as Messi, Argentina squad set to arrive in November
As Lionel Messi: As Lionel Messi's much-anticipated visit to India as part of the GOAT Tour of India 2025 is confirmed, with the three-city tour set to kick off on December 13, the Argentine star recalled his last visit to the country 14 years ago and said he has good memories of a very special country. The three-day tour from December 13 to 15 will feature Messi's appearances in Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi, with a fourth city to be announced, tour's event manager said. This will be the Argentine great's first trip to India since 2011 when he visited the country with his national team to play a FIFA friendly against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium here. India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago, Messi said. The fans were fantastic. I look forward to meeting a new generation of supporters and sharing my love for this beautiful game. The highlights of the tour include stadium events at Salt Lake Stadium, Wankhede Stadium, and Arun Jaitley Stadium, as well as special celebrations such as a statue unveiling in Kolkata and the launch of a new charitable initiative. Messi is also scheduled to meet local sports and entertainment figures and dignitaries and state leaders from West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Delhi. The highlights of the tour include stadium events at Salt Lake Stadium, Wankhede Stadium, and Arun Jaitley Stadium, as well as special celebrations such as a statue unveiling in Kolkata and the launch of a new charitable initiative. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The November fixtures will be part of three matches scheduled during the FIFA international window, with the other two games to be played in Luanda, Angola. Article Source: IANS
India a passionate football nation, honour to return: Messi
Lionel Messi confirmed his honourable return to India for the GOAT Tour in December 2025, visiting four cities including Kolkata and Mumbai. The tour features concerts, masterclasses, and a meeting with PM Modi, marking his first visit in 14 years. Separately, the Argentina national team might play in Kerala in November, though Messi's presence is doubtful.
Vivek Gupta elected President of Indian Newspaper Society
Vivek Gupta of Sanmarg , a Hindi daily headquartered in Kolkata, has been elected President of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) for 202526. The INS is the apex body of publishers of newspapers, magazines, and periodicals in India. Gupta was elected at the 86th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the INS, held on Thursday through video conferencing and other audio-visual means. He succeeds M.V. Shreyams Kumar of Mathrubhumi . The AGM also confirmed other key appointments. Karan Rajendra Darda of Lokmat was elected Deputy President, Tanmay Maheshwari of Amar Ujala was named Vice-President, and Anant Nath of Grihshobhika was appointed Honorary Treasurer of the Society for 202526. Mary Paul is the Secretary-General of the Society. Having previously served as vice president and honorary treasurer of INS, Gupta became the first president from eastern India to helm the organisation in 32 years, a statement from INS said. In his presidential address, Kumar lauded the indomitable resilience of the Indian newspaper industry amid global adversities, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The members of the Executive Committee of the INS for the year 2025-26 are, S Balasubramanian Adityan (Daily Thanthi), Girish Agarwal (Dainik Bhaskar, Bhopal), Samahit Bal (Pragativadi), Samudra Bhattacharya (Hindustan Times, Patna), Hormusji N. Cama (Bombay Samachar), Gaurav Chopra (Filmi Duniya), Vijay Kumar Chopra (Punjab Kesari, Jalandhar), Vijay Jawaharlal Darda (Lokmat, Nagpur), Jagjit Singh Dardi (Charhdikala Daily), Pallavi S. Dempo (The Navhind Times), Viveck Goenka (The Indian Express, Mumbai), Mahendra Mohan Gupta (Dainik Jagran), Yogesh P. Jadhav (Pudhari), Pratap G. Pawar (Sakal), Sowbhagyalakshmi Kanekal Tilak (Mayura), and Mohit Jain (Economic Times).
Durga Puja 2025 Dashami weather warning: IMD forecasts heavy rain across Kolkata and South Bengal
Kolkata is bracing for heavy to very heavy rainfall today, October 2, 2025, which is expected to severely disrupt Dashami celebrations and idol immersion processions along the Hooghly river. A cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is causing the downpour, leading to widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions across South and North Bengal.
The income tax department is initiating a drive targeting 25,000-30,000 landowners in Kolkata and Bengaluru, and other cities, who failed to pay capital gains tax on joint development agreements. This 'Nudge' campaign will use emails to encourage voluntary compliance, offering a chance to clear dues with an additional 25% for past years to avoid penalties.
Thiruvananthapurams Navaratri celebration is famed for its regal rituals and the rich spread of art and culture. Alongside, in a quiet corner of the city, it takes on another beautiful avtar. Just off the lane adjacent to the AKG Centre lies the Hasan Marakkar Hall, where every year during Navaratri, the Durga Pujo comes alive recreating a slice of Bengal in the Kerala capital. And this years celebrations mark a milestone for the citys Bengali community: it is the 55th edition of Durga Pujo here. Renowned Hindustani vocalist Abradita Banerjee reminisces how the festival evolved. In the 1990s, the number of Bengalis were fewer than now, and the Pujo was usually in someones house, she recalls. It helped the community members share a beautiful camaraderie, which prompted us to prioritise the Thiruvananthapuram Pujo over the ones back in our native places. It also helped our kids bond. In due course, the Pujo was shifted to the Hasan Marikar Hall premises. Now, it is held on the terrace portion of the hall, with related events staged downstairs. Preparations for the festival begin weeks in advance, with families planning the decorations, dances and dramas. The paramount part, however, is the making of the Goddesss idol. Back in West Bengal, it is indeed a ritual in itself. The idol of the Goddess when it was being made. In Thiruvananthapuram, too, the making of the idol is no less significant. In the earlier days of our association, the members themselves would make the idols, procuring soil locally. Now we get an artisan from Kolkata every year so that the idol can be made the traditional way, says Amitabha Mondal, president of Trivandrum Bengali Association. Now, the number of members has swelled, and so has the Pujo. In Kolkata, there are several artisans who move from one place to another making idols for Bengali communities during this season. For example, artisan Tapan Jana, who made the idol here, also covers Kochi and Kozhikode. For the community, Durga Pujo is a time of camaraderie, of returning to roots, and of keeping culture alive. For youngsters like Aryaman Banerjee who grew up in the city, the festival is steeped in childhood nostalgia. To me, the Thiruvananthapuram Pujo is an emotional one. After studies, I went to Bhubaneswar for work. But I made it a point to attend the Pujo here, says the engineer, who now works in Odisha. I will be shifting base back to the city soon this is home. Even the Kolkata Pujo doesnt match up to the Thiruvananthapuram one for those who grew up here. What Aryaman remembers most is the Anando Mela (food festival) during the Pujo, when he and his friends would first scout the stalls to decide which to attack first. Tapan Jana, the artisan from Bengal with his family members and assistants after the idol was finished. The food would be prepared by the families. Some would have excellent chicken rolls, aloo puri, dahi vada, etc. Next would be the Mukto Mela, where everyone showcased their talents. We had a music band. There was also a Bengali recitation competition, probably to keep our ties with Bengali literature alive, he gushes. This year, too, the festivities will continue in the same spirit. Adding a special touch, however, is a programme commemorating the birth centenary of Salil Chowdhury, the legendary musician adored in Kerala as much as in Bengal. All are welcome, says Amitabha. Tapan Jana brings Ganga Maati, soil from the banks of the Hoogly, to mix with the locally procured soil to shape the idol. Evoking Durga Tapan Jana, from Midnapore district, travels across south India in the weeks leading up to Navaratri, making Durga idols for Bengali associations in various districts. Traditionally, the soil used for the idol is procured from the banks of the river Hooghly (called Ganga Maati), mixed with mud from different spots to represent inclusiveness in divinity. But when we make idols outside Bengal, we cannot follow that ritual strictly always, because each average-size idol would require around five sacks of mud and transporting that from Bengal would hike the cost, explains Tapan, who makes seven idols in Kerala during the season before proceeding to Punjab to prepare the idol for Kali Pujo, which falls on the day before Deepawali. I use small portions of Ganga maati, which I mix with locally procured clay and some plaster of Paris to smear on the hay skeleton of the idol to shape it up. The Durga idol is usually readied on Mahalaya, the day before Navaratri begins, with the final ritual being the Chokku Daan the drawing of the eyes. This symbolises the awakening of the divine spirit, and evokes the arrival of the Goddess. I have never been in Kolkata during Durga Pujo all these years, has been making idols for the Trivandrum Bengali Association for 22 years. Every year, my travels for making idols start in July and end somewhere near the end of October. But I am always at one Pujo pandal or another on the festival days.
Kolkata civic body prepares measures following a fresh warning from IMD
Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has activated early preparedness measures following a fresh warning from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) about a developing low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which is likely to intensify by Nabami (Wednesday) night, a senior official said
From bhog to food courts: Bengaluru serves up Durga Puja delights
Bengaluru will host Durga Puja celebrations soon. Venues promise diverse food and community spirit. Chefs from Kolkata and five-star hotels will prepare bhog and various cuisines. Entry to all pujas is free. Events aim to unite people through culture and food. Several associations will offer daily bhog and many food stalls with regional and international dishes.
ED provisionally attaches 15 crore worth of properties over GST fraud
The Enforcement Directorate attached properties worth 15.41 crore. These assets are in Kolkata and Howrah. This action is part of a GST fraud investigation. The probe involves 135 shell companies across three states. Amit Gupta, an alleged mastermind, owns the attached properties. The accused are currently in judicial custody. The agency launched its investigation based on multiple complaints.
Indias total crimes against women reach 4.45 lakh; Bengal 34,500 in 2023: NCRB
Kolkata: West Bengal recorded 34,691 cases of crimes against women in 2023, the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows. Adding 10,024 pending cases from 2022, the total caseload under investigation in 2023 reached 44,731. The state police disposed of 34,344 cases during the year, maintained an impressive 93.8 % rate of filing charge-sheets, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Indian Railways to launch first assured-transit container train from Delhi to Kolkata in October
The bi-weekly service will run from Inland Container Depot (ICD) Tughlakabad in Delhi, to CONCORs CTCS terminal in Kolkata via Agra and Kanpur.
Memories, Family, and Festive Joy
From Kolkatas bustling pandals to quiet celebrations abroad, film stars open up about what Navratri and Durga Puja mean to them
Indian Railways draws plans for scheduled EXIM container trains
Indian Railways is introducing scheduled container train services to ensure timely cargo delivery and boost exports. A pilot Tughlakabad-Kolkata domestic service begins October 1 with a 120-hour transit assurance, while EXIM services to Mundra are under deliberation. This aims to reduce transit delays and attract private participation, improving logistics for businesses.
ED attaches immovable properties worth Rs 15.41 crore in GST fraud case
ED`s Ranchi Zonal Office attached these properties in Kolkata and Howrah on September 29 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002
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Pre-partition Bengal, Indian freedom movement emerge as popular themes in Kolkatas Durga Pujas
This trend assumes significance with the resurgence of the Bengals pre-partition history and its freedom fighters in public consciousness, through The Bengal Files controversy and with Trinamools Bengali pride campaign
Theyyam makes Durga Puja debut in Kolkata
KANNUR: The city of joy is ablaze with Durga Puja festivities. Pandals glitter with lights, dhaak beats echo through every lane, and the air carries the fragrance of dhuno. Yet, amid the familiar grandeur, this years celebrations hold something never seen before Keralas theyyam has found its place in Bengals most important festival. At South Kolkatas famed 66 Pally Clubs Durga Puja, the pandal itself tells the story. Built in the style of a traditional Kannur temple, its architecture draws directly from Keralas vastu vidya. Crafted over three months by a team of carpenters from Thalassery, the structure is both a tribute to tradition and a bold experiment in cultural fusion. It cost nearly Rs 25 lakh to complete, but its impact goes far beyond numbers. The highlight is not just the pandal but what unfolds within it. Ten artists from Thiruvananthapuram-based Theyyam Nayana Kala Samiti have arrived in Kolkata for a ten-day programme, performing theyyam live every evening. For many in Bengal, accustomed to worshipping Durga in her majestic idol form, the spectacle of theyyam a performer transformed into a living deity is nothing short of breathtaking. This is our first time being part of Durga Puja in Kolkata, says Vijaya Kumar, one of the theyyam artists. His voice still carries the weight of ritual after a performance. We were surprised when we saw the arrangements here. The pandal has been built on the model of Kerala temples. We came to know this is the first time in the history of Durga Puja that Keralas vastu vidya has been used for a pandal. That itself makes this experience memorable, Kumar says. An artist preparing for theyyam performance in Kolkata The group has been performing different theyyams, including Gulikan and Pottan, each night. Four artists don the elaborate makeup, towering headgear, and vibrant costumes, while others assist in the ritual preparations. Every day, we receive countless accolades and appreciation from the locals. Bengal is truly a land of art and culture. The way people welcomed us here proves it, Kumar adds with a smile. For the 66 Pally Club, this experiment was part of a larger milestone their 75th platinum jubilee celebrations. Kolkatas clubs are known for pushing boundaries with pandal themes every year, says 66 Pally creative designer Gopal Poddar. I make themes versatile each year. For the past few months, I have been researching about theyyam. I travelled to Kannur and met the artists earlier this year. First, I approached artists from Kannur but they declined, citing strict ritual practices that bind their performances to temple groves and ancestral shrines, Poddar says. It was then that the Thiruvananthapuram-based troupe stepped in, ensuring that the art of theyyam could travel beyond its sacred courtyards to Kolkatas festival streets, he says. Here, the result is unimaginable. Social media influencers and local people are rushing to the pandal each day to see the performances, Poddar adds. And unforgettable it is. As crowds throng to see Goddess Durga slaying Mahishasura in idol form, they also pause to watch Keralas fierce deities come alive in fire-red faces, swirling movements, and the thunder of chendas. In this space, Bengal and Kerala meet Durga and Theyyam stand side by side, different forms, one spirit.
Western suburbs mirror Santiniketan and Op Sindoor themes at Durga Puja
Mumbai's western suburbs are vibrant with Durga Puja celebrations, showcasing Bengali arts, crafts, and cuisine. Various pandals, including Link Road Puja, Aikatan, and Kallol, feature celebrity performances by Usha Uthup and Shaan, unique themes like Santiniketan and 'A Slice of Kolkata', alongside traditional dhaki and dhunuchi naach, offering a rich cultural experience.
Durga Puja in Kolkata highlights plight of acid attack survivors
West Bengal recorded the highest number of acid attack cases in the country according to the latest available NCRB data
A Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata that is celebrating the coconut
More than 2,000 discarded coconut shells have been used in the decoration of this pandal, located in the neighbourhood of Topsia, in Kolkata
Bank Holidays From September 29 To October 5: Check State-Wise Schedule
Bank Holidays: The RBI has declared September 29 a bank holiday in Agartala, Kolkata, and Guwahati for Maha Saptami, the seventh day of Durga Puja.
Three killed after being hit by train in Bengal
KOLKATA: Three people, including a woman and her child, were killed after being hit by a train while crossing the railway tracks in West Bengals North 24 Parganas district, police said on Monday. The tragic accident occurred near Shyamnagar station on Saturday night, prompting locals to stage a protest and block the tracks for an hour, blaming the railways for negligence. According to eyewitnesses, the woman was crossing the tracks when her child slipped from her arms and fell onto the path of the oncoming Gour Express. A fruit seller on the platform, witnessing the situation, rushed to rescue them but all three were struck by the train. Locals attempted to save the seriously injured victims by arranging for an ambulance. However, the level crossing operator allegedly refused to open the gates to allow the emergency vehicle through. As a result, the victims had to be carried by hand across a distance before being placed in the ambulance. They were taken to a hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Angry residents blocked railway tracks for an hour, protesting the frequent and prolonged closure of the level crossing gates, which they claim forces pedestrians to take dangerous shortcuts across the tracks. Despite repeated complaints to railway authorities, no corrective action has been taken, the protesters alleged. Police and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel arrived at the scene and persuaded the protesters to lift the blockade. Authorities have assured a prompt and thorough investigation into the incident.
West Bengal govt launches emergency measures ahead of heavy rain forecast from October 1
KOLKATA: The West Bengal government has initiated emergency measures following forecasts of heavy rainfall from 1 October, a senior official said on Sunday. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued instructions to officials, and is said to be closely monitoring the developing situation. Taking note of the situation, we have initiated comprehensive emergency measures. All departments concerned have been put on alert. The Chief Minister is personally overseeing developments, the official told PTI. Twelve people have lost their lives in recent incidents of torrential rain and electrocution in Kolkata and adjoining areas. To manage the situation, the administration has set up a control room, where a senior IAS officer will be stationed. Round-the-clock monitoring will be ensured. The control room will remain operational throughout the festive season, from 26 September to 7 October, 2024 October, and 2728 October, the official added. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the likely formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, expected to result in isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall across many parts of West Bengal from 24 October. The IMD has also predicted squally winds with speeds of 3545 km/h, gusting up to 55 km/h during this period. The sea condition is likely to be rough. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea over the north and central Bay of Bengal along and off the West Bengal-Odisha coasts on these days, the IMD said in a bulletin.
Design To Theme, How Durga Puja Pandals In Kolkata Are Using AI
A pavilion in Kolkata is decorated with giant computer keyboards and flashing lights, set against a backdrop resembling IT office towers.
Bong-galore! Dive into the Durga Pujo festivities in Bengaluru
A distinct rhythm and energy take over the city during Dasara, when the Bengali community ushers in the Durga Pujo festivities. Slowly yet steadily, the metropolis transforms into a vibrant canvas blending art, culture and devotion, all mirroring the festival spirit of Kolkata. As the smell of dhuno dhoop lingers in the air and dhaak beats (traditional rhythms played on the Dhak a barrel shaped drum, signifying the start of the festival in Bengal) echo across pandals, Durga Pujo in the city this year shapes up to be a homage to Bengals rich culture and community. For communication professional Karan Sharma, the pujo is a true-blue emotion. Pandal hopping has always been a personal ritual, he says, recalling nights lit with fairy lights and the warmth of home. He finds solace in pandals spread across Ulsoor, Whitefield and Koramangala, where cultural performances and food stalls make the city feel like a mini-Bengal. Ankita Purkayastha pandal hops Far from home and hit by nostalgia, for many, the festival evokes a sense of homecoming. Account executive Ankita Purkayasthas memories, which she holds close to her heart, are steeped in family traditions, from offering anjali on Ashtami to pandal hopping with her father on his scooty. Though she misses the grand family feasts and childhood friends back home, she finds comfort in the familiar beats of the dhaak at local pandals. The sound of the dhaak is the heartbeat of the Pujo, she highlights. Akin to the previous years, this time, Bengalurus pandals are not just venues for prayers but spaces of cultural expression. The Bongodhara Cultural Association is all geared up with its Gram Bangla theme this year a deeply evocative tribute to rural Bengal. Set against an earthy backdrop of mud walls, alpona (motifs made with rice paste) and a traditional ek chala durga idol, the pandal transports visitors to a Bengal of simplicity and togetherness. The idea behind Gram Bangla is to honour the roots of Durga Pujo in rural Bengal. We want people to experience the warmth, simplicity and togetherness that define celebrations in villages, without losing the devotion and happiness that the festival embodies, says Aparajta Ray, a representative of Bongodhara Cultural Association. The Gram Bangla-themed pandal Yet the citys cosmopolitan nature adds another layer to the celebrations, says Sharma, highlighting Bengalurus diverse culture. Being away from Bengal, I miss the grandeur and the familiar faces back home. But Bengaluru makes up for it in its own way as the city is full of beautifully decorated pandals, complete with cultural performances and, of course, food stalls serving everything from Bengali classics to local delicacies, he says. What binds them all, whether native Bengali or honorary, is the food. Dishes like kosha mangsho, fish fry, mishti doi and luchi-ghugni are must-haves. Its when Maa Durga, the daughter of the family, returns to her parents home, and so, we too celebrate the occasion of abundance. From dum aloo, ilish mach to mutton biriyani and festival essentials like roshogolla, every dish is a part of the feast. Its not just about eating but about sharing meals with your loved ones, reliving recipes passed down through generations and creating memories, Purkayastha explains.
Durga Puja revellers flock early to pandals in West Bengal fearing rain
Durga Puja festivities will peak over the next fourdays of Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami; large crowds were seen in Kolkata, its suburbs, and in the districts across West Bengal on Sasthi, the sixth day of the festival
Kolkata Durga Puja Organisers Allege Police Trying to Curb Festivities
Referring to this, Mr Ghosh argued, Police are trying to shut down the puja by staging a mishap and putting the blame on the organisers. Visitors are forced to walk on the narrow lanes instead of the big ones.
The foreign delegation, which had representation from various parts of the globe, from UK, Estonia, France, Guatemala, Italy, Germany, Sri Lanka to Ukraine, was welcomed at the inauguration of the Puja Pandal by Sundeep Bhutoria, Chairman of the Chaltabagan Durga Puja Committee.
11 Electrocuted in Kolkata: Heavy Rains Spark Outrage Over 'Unsafe' Lamp Posts
Just before Durga Puja, Kolkata remains gripped by severe waterlogging which has claimed 11 lives in five days.
Culture meets commerce at Kolkatas Durga Puja
Durga Puja in Kolkata has grown from a neighbourhood festival to a tourist attraction, one that brings in money to different stakeholders. Bishwanath Ghosh speaks to the different communities that benefit from the yearly extravaganza
In Kolkata, poetry and art from Gaza and Bengal famine converge in Durga Puja pandal
Artist Pradip Das explores parallels between poems from the Gaza strip and the depictions of hunger and death in Bengali poetry on the famine; they are connected, despite being several kilometres and years apart, he says
The invisibilised workforce behind Durga Puja festivities
The people who sacrifice festive joy to keep Kolkatas grandest celebration running
Attempt to close down puja pandal on Operation Sindoor theme: BJP leader; Kolkata police deny charge
Organisers of Durga Puja pandal at Santosh Mitra Square in Kolkata claim efforts by police to stop the light and sound show based on Operation Sindoor; police only concerned with public safety as large crowd has been gathering in a narrow space: Kolkata Police Commissioner
App cab launched in Kolkata exclusively for women
Kolkata's transport department, in collaboration with Snap-E Cabs, launched UMA, an exclusive app cab service for women. Driven by professionally trained women, these vehicles feature GPS tracking and SOS buttons, aiming to enhance safety and empower women travelers. Twenty cabs debuted on September 26, with more joining soon to address safety concerns.
CBI Crackdown On Builders, Officials Of Financial Institutions Nexus: 6 FIRs, Searches
New Delhi, Sep 27: The CBI conducted searches at 12 locations in Kolkata, Bengaluru and Mumbai on Saturday after registering six cases against builders and officials of financial institutions for allegedly cheating and defrauding homebuyers, officials said. The agency is investigating the nexus of the builders and officials of financial institutions to cheat the homebuyers in Kolkata, Bengaluru and Mumbai on the directions of the Supreme Court, they said. The homebuyers had approached the Supreme Court after being cheated by [] The post CBI Crackdown On Builders, Officials Of Financial Institutions Nexus: 6 FIRs, Searches appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kolkata Man Arrested Over 1 Crore Extortion Threat To Comedian Kapil Sharma
Mumbai Crime Branch arrests a man from Kolkata for threatening comedian Kapil Sharma.
CBI cracks down on builders who allegedly cheated homebuyers in Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Mumbai
CBI registers six cases and conducting searches at 12 locations. The agency is also probing nexus of builders with officials of financial institutions
US tariffs pose major risk to Indias growth: Crisil Intelligence
Kolkata: High tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods pose a major risk to the countrys growth, Crisil Intelligence said in its September report. The tariffs will impact both Indian goods exports and investments, the report added. However, domestic consumption, driven by benign inflation and rate cuts, is expected to support growth, it Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Etihads new A321LR aircraft debuts on UAEIndia route
Abu Dhabi: UAEs national carrier Etihad Airways has launched its game-changing A321LR aircraft on all Abu DhabiKolkata flights, offering passengers a refined luxury travel experience on one of its busiest UAEIndia routes. The inaugural flight, EY222, landed at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport at 8:35 pm on Wednesday, September 24, with a fully booked cabin Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Fighting social stigma and showing resilience, sex workers of Kolkata conduct the 13th edition of their own Durga Puja
A special court in Kolkata on September 24, 2025, had rejected the central agency's plea for Chandranath Sinha's custody in this connection with their investigation of the matter
Fact-Check: Video From Guwahati Viral as Showing Cloud Burst in Kolkata
Kolkata witnessed heavy downpour on 23 September, however, we traced this clip to 20 September.
'Mamata di has made Bengal Sonar Bangla: Hakim reacts to Shahs Kolkata Durga Puja visit
Art, Creativity And Splendor: Five Big-Budget Kolkata Pujas Drawing Crowd This Year
Kolkata Durga Puja 2025: During the Sharad Utsav, Dum Dums big-budget pujas draw as much attention as those in Kolkata. Their mandap decorationsrich with art and creativity.
Bengal post-poll violence: 4 years on, CBI arrests man accused in BJP leader's murder
The CBI has apprehended Amit Das, an accused who had been absconding in connection with the murder of BJP leader Abhijit Sarkar. Sarkar was killed in Kolkata during post-poll violence in West Bengal in May 2021. Das was arrested on Thursday based on intelligence and technical analysis, and he will be presented in court today.
Amit Shah prays for Sonar Bangla at Kolkata Durga Puja, sparks political exchange
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata. The pandal's theme is Operation Sindoor, a tribute to the Indian Army. Shah prayed for a new government in West Bengal after the 2026 elections. He hopes to restore the state's glory. Abhishek Banerjee criticized Shah's promises. Banerjee questioned the release of funds owed to West Bengal.
The Home Minister also expressed grief over the recent rain-related deaths in the state, and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families
How Climate Change And Warming Oceans Led To Kolkata's Historic Downpour
As Kolkata begins to mop up after one of its worst deluges in recent memory, scientists warn that such extreme weather events are no longer anomalies - they are becoming the new normal.
School jobs case: HC grants bail to former West Bengal minister
Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Friday granted bail to former West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee in connection with the teacher recruitment irregularities case. The bench of Justice Suvra Ghosh directed Chatterjee to surrender his passport and not leave the jurisdiction of the trial court, as conditions of the bail. Justice Ghosh also directed that Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Pray To Maa Durga That Sonar Bangla Glory Is Restored By New Govt Post 2026 Polls: Shah
Kolkata, Sep 26: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated the Durga Puja pandal of Santosh Mitra Square here, and said he prayed to the goddess that post the 2026 West Bengal assembly polls, there is a new government which restores the states lost Sonar Bangla glory. Shah said Bengal should once again become safe, peaceful and prosperous, fulfilling the dream of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. I have prayed to Maa Durga that after this election, a government should [] The post Pray To Maa Durga That Sonar Bangla Glory Is Restored By New Govt Post 2026 Polls: Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Botanical Survey of India gets a new director, the first mycologist to head the institute
Kanad Das succeeds A. A. Mao as the 13th director of the BSI which was set up in 1890 and has 11 regional centers with four units headquartered in Kolkata
Accessibility and Durga Pujas: How accessible are pandals in Kolkata
From accessibility plans to multiple awards, Durga Pujas in Kolkata are taking various initiatives to bring inclusivity into the festivities
Three flights diverted due to bad weather at Hyderabad Airport
Hyderabad: Heavy rain lashing Hyderabad and its outskirts on Friday has affected flight operations at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Shamshabad. Due to bad weather, three flights have been diverted so far, a spokesman of the international airport said here. IndiGo flights from Kolkata (6E 6623), Mumbai (6E 6148) and Pune (6E 352) have been Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Amit Shah to inaugurate 'Operation Sindoor' Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata. The pandal's theme is 'Operation Sindoor,' a tribute to the Indian Army. Shah will also visit Kalighat temple and a BJP-organized puja. The pandal features an AI-based show on the Pahalgam terror attack. Models of missiles are also displayed.
Kolkatas IEM unveils Indias first 3D-printed Durga idol
The project, led by the Department of Mechanical Engineerings 3D Printing Lab, reflects an unusual but striking fusion of culture, sustainability, and modern technology.
Amit Shah Visits Kolkata To Take Part In Durga Puja; BJP Appoints Bengal Poll In-Charge | Updates
Amit Shah's visit remains significant as it comes just months ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for next year
Trinamool, BJP feud over rainfall data after Kolkatas deadly downpour
As Trinamool cites cumulative figure of 1423.2mm of overnight rainfall, the BJP alleges misrepresentation of rainfall data and a PR circus
Hyderabads Navratri Goes Grand, Gets Digital Fillip
SVARA brings Kolkata-style artistry
Calcutta High Court Seeks Reports From Power Utility, Civic Body Over Electrocution Deaths
The Calcutta High Court on Thursday sought a report from the private power utility, CESC Ltd, on multiple electrocution deaths in Kolkata and its suburbs due to waterlogging.
Over 70 per cent of undergraduate seats go unfilled in state-run colleges of West Bengal
KOLKATA: More than 70 per cent of first-year undergraduate seats in West Bengal's state-run colleges are vacant even after two rounds of counselling for admission, an official said on Thursday. There are a total of 9,36,215 undergraduate seats in state-run and state-aided colleges in the state. While 4,21,301 lakh candidates had registered in the centralised admission portal, only 2,69,777 got admitted, filling up 28.81 per cent seats, he said. In comparison, last year, 4.44 lakh seats were filled, he added. In the first phase of counselling, 2.30 lakh students were enrolled, while in the second phase, over 39,000 students got admitted, according to the official of the Higher Education Department. The situation is unusual but not unexpected as the delay in completion of the admission process made a section of students apprehensive and opt for autonomous colleges or private institutions, he said. Asked if there will be another round of counselling after the Durga Puja vacation, the official said it would disrupt the academic calendar. Lady Brabourne College principal Siuli Sarkar told PTI that less than 50 per cent of the 630-635 seats in her college are vacant, which is unusual. Many seats in Economics and Statistics are yet to be filled. I am getting emails from candidates who could not make the cut but are willing to get admitted after the necessary screening. Since the entire admission process was centralised, we hope something is done to address the issue and fill the vacant seats, she said. Sarkar said that besides the delay over the OBC reservation issue, the lack of interest among students in conventional subjects has contributed to the decline in the numbers this year. TMC students' wing president Trinankur Bhattacharya told PTI that he was hopeful the situation would improve after Durga Puja, with alternative options being considered by the government, including allowing the colleges to start direct admissions. Many students were not familiar with the online procedure and might have faced difficulties. The impasse over the OBC issue also created uncertainty among a section of students, who might have opted for private colleges and universities, he said. Meanwhile, another Trinamool Chatra Parishad leader said undergraduate seats remaining vacant are not new, but this year, the situation is grave due to the delay in starting the admission process over the OBC issue. Admission to undergraduate courses in the state-run colleges began in August after the Supreme Court stayed a Calcutta High Court order on the state's OBC list. West Bengal College and University Teachers' Association (WBCUTA) member Subhoday Dasgupta alleged that the policies of the TMC government in the state and the BJP-led government at the Centre were destroying public-funded education. Such things are the fallout of the decisions of both governments at the state and the Centre, forcing people to opt for private colleges, he claimed. Dasgupta, a senior academic, claimed that while college dropout rates increased during the pandemic, pro-elite policies of the two governments also contributed to making higher education inaccessible to the general public. If the public-funded educational institutions come under attack, the quality of education declines. We heard about the existence of threat culture after the rape and murder of the doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital; a similar culture has been prevalent in higher educational institutions for a long time. The dip in college admission should be seen through a wider prism, he said.
Viral Video Shows Snake Swimming In Kolkata Floodwaters With Fish In Mouth, Internet Reacts
The video led to a wave of jokes about Kolkata's famous love for fish.
Travelzia Finds A New Home In Kolkata To Welcome Travel Enthusiasts
The Dunlop will link travelers with a world of experiences, ranging from international escapes to domestic getaways.
Fire breaks out at south Kolkata guesthouse, no casualties reported
A fire erupted at a guesthouse in south Kolkata's Anawar Shah Road area. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon. The guesthouse was located on the top floor of a four-storey building. Authorities dispatched three fire tenders to combat the blaze. Initial reports suggest an electrical short circuit as the cause.
From Victoria Memorial to old clock towers, synagogues and markets, a citizen led illumination project is bringing history alive in Kolkata
Kolkata Court asks Minister of Correctional Administration Chandranath Sinha to appear before ED officials for questioning in the school recruitment scam
Kolkata neighbourhoods, citizens, businesses reel under aftermath of flood in Kolkata
The city grapples with flooded streets, mounting damages, economic loss, and a looming threat of more rain
The Ko-Ko Connect: Celebrating Durga Puja in Kochi
Kochi has long been a melting pot of communities from across India. The city still carries traces of the diverse cultures that touched its shores during its layered past, giving it its distinct cosmopolitan nature. A prominent one among those is the Bengali community, which has made the city its home, preserving its cultural identity while blending seamlessly with Keralas ethos. Many of the first-gen Bengalis in Kochi arrived in the 1960s to work in industries that were then the backbone of the citys economy: construction, refinery and the Cochin Shipyard. They brought with them not just professional skills but also a cultural heritage rooted in art, music and literature. As their numbers grew, so did their determination to hold on to their traditions. And so, the Kerala Banga Samskruti Sangha was born in the late 1960s. Members of the Keral Banga Samskruthi Sangha during a cultural fest honouring Rabindranath Tagore Those days, communicating with other communities was a challenge. There was a language barrier, unlike today, when it is so much easier to understand each other thanks to the advancement of technology and wider inter-cultural exposure, says Rahul Bhattacharjee, treasurer of the Sangha, which is now set to host its annual Durga Puja celebrations (held during Navaratri). One factor that made Kerala feel familiar was the shared love for fish. But there was a catch. The Bengali favourite Rohu, a freshwater fish commonly found in the Ganga and Brahmaputra was hard to find in Kochi. Telephones were a luxury, yet the distress call for the fish was sent across the community through word of mouth, laughs Amit Kumar Sarkar, owner of Bikash Babu Sweets and president of the Sangha. Whenever someone found Rohu in the market, the news would somehow spread in a jiffy. Whoever spotted the fish would just buy in bulk, as it would take no time to distribute the fish to the other Bengali families. Members of the association during a committee meeting It was not just about fish. These families also bonded through cultural traditions like Satyanarayana Puja conducted in homes. People would meet in one house for a puja and leave only after deciding the date and venue of the next, says Amit. This coming together be it over Rohu or rituals laid the foundation of the Kerala Banga Samskruti Sangha in 1967, formally registered as an association in 1971. What began as a cultural forum for a few families has since evolved into a vibrant organisation that welcomes not only Bengalis but also those with an affinity for West Bengal, or a taste for cultural exploration. We are a mix of Bengalis, non-Bengalis who married into Bengali families and also people like me who are neither but have a deep sense of connection to the culture, says Lakshmi Kishore, a Palakkad Tamil Brahmin who spent her life in Kolkata before settling in Kochi. Lakshmi, who speaks fluent Bengali, adds that there are several like her who are part of the Sangha despite having no familial roots in the northeastern state. The Bengali way of celebrating life through community and joy is what binds them together. At the centre of it all is Durga Puja, organised every year since the associations inception. For five days, a corner of Kochi turns into a little Kolkata. The idol of the deities at the pandal last year Bengalis have a knack for sniffing out other Bengalis wherever they go. Others join because they see how intimate the puja is in Kochi, says Lakshmi. Mornings begin with rituals, while evenings after the aarti are reserved for cultural programmes featuring dance dramas, Rabindra Sangeet and plays recounting Mahalaya the Goddesss descent to her parental home. Everyone participates. Children, women and even reluctant husbands are coaxed into dancing, laughs Neelima Sarkar, a member of the Sanghas cultural committee. Neelima, who has Telugu roots, connects to the Bengali community through her marriage to Amit. Durga Puja is primarily for prayers, of course. But it also means fun and food! she chuckles. Lakshmi adds, It is the one time of the year when we eat all the sweets without guilt, just like how payasam is unavoidable during Onam time. Members of the association enjoying the food served at the Durga Puja pandal in Gandhi Nagar This years Durga Puja pandal at Lions Club in Gandhinagar will feature food stalls serving Bengali delicacies and sweets such as roshogolla, rajbhog, shondesh, malpua, rasmalai, payesh and pantua. Women entrepreneurs from the community will also showcase products ranging from snacks to jewellery and clothes. All these are open to the public, the members say. The devotion to the festival runs deep. During the pandemic in 2020, the association adapted with virtual celebrations and ensured members still received bhog the food offering made to the deity. A small group of volunteers cooked, packed and delivered the bhog across Kochi. That is how attached we are to the Durga Puja, says Neelima. At the centre of the puja is, of course, the idol. Each year, artisans from West Bengal travel to Kochi, bringing clay from the Hooghlys banks to be mixed with Keralas soil merging two geographies into one sacred creation. The idols of the dieties being prepared by Tapan Jena and his wife Suchitra under a shed in Kadavanthra Suchitra mixes the clay for preparing the idols Artisans like Tapan Jena, Jyotirmoy Jena and Suchitra, from a family of idol makers in Digah, West Bengal, have been doing this for the past 15 years, travelling across India ahead of Navaratri to create customised idols. The idols are made from a mix of clay, soil and plaster of Paris. But the face of the Devi is purely made using the clay from the banks of the Hooghly; we dont mix it with any other material, says Tapan. The finished idols are carried to the venue in a procession, accompanied by the resonant beats of the dhak, played by dhakis traditional drummers from Bengal. Priests from West Bengal conduct the rituals, adding to the authenticity of the celebration. Unlike Kolkatas commercialised celebrations, which are handled by event planning companies, here the members take charge. We take care of everything ourselves, says Rahul, the treasurer. Beyond Durga Pooja, the association also marks other festivals such as the Bengali New Year, Saraswati Puja, Satyanarayana Puja and Onam, creating a year-round calendar of celebrations. Currently, all energies are channelled toward the Durga Puja from September 28 to October 2. The excitement within the community is palpable. For the Sangha, it is a moment to celebrate culture while passing cherished traditions to the next generation. For details: 90744 55953
Fakes seem to surpass originals in the world of today. Fake news always seems to get more attention and reactions than the actual ones that is reported. Reality is devoid of soap opera-style drama, you see. Knock-off versions of every designer brand you can think of abound in the market; from watches and haute couture to handbags and shoes, there is nothing that one cant get a cheaper counterfeit model of. And with all the leaps and bounds that technology has been making, the list has only expanded thicker than most waistlines, soon after the Deepavali sweets-devouring spree. Artificial Intelligence can now write your essays, paint your pictures, create phony holiday images, mimic your grandmothers voice, and even mock arrest you to swindle your bona fide earnings. Trust is quickly being replaced by suspicion in our hearts. Long before machines and computers even existed, humans had already found a way to commit fraud. Since only a unique creation that has no copies that exists in the universe can be worthy of reproduction, it was art that provided fodder to cheats with artistic talent, zero imagination, and the urge to make quick money. In fact, art forgery can be traced back almost two thousand years to ancient civilisations. Following the Renaissance, when art slowly positioned itself as a commercial commodity, artists began to claim their identity by signing on them. Copycats then learnt to not just replicate paintings, but also became experts at forging signatures. The centuries thereafter have only helped hone these skills. The Indian art market witnessed the unravelling of one more cartel involved in the forgery of art this week. Based on a complaint filed by a senior executive of a US-based firm, the paintings of renowned artists like MF Husain, FN Souza, and Jamini Roy were sold to him by the accused for an astounding price of `17.9 crore. The art gallery owner and a lawyer who negotiated terms and vouched for the authenticity of the artworks have now been chargesheeted by the Enforcement Directorate. Many prestigious auctions in India have been breeding grounds for forged art. In the bylanes of Kolkata, fakes of the stalwarts of the Bengal school like Rabindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose are being churned out like factory products. Many of them invariably landed up in auction houses with the stamp of authenticity, sometimes making it impossible for even master connoisseurs to detect. Sometimes, the discovery of fraud is made by the artist himself! Imagine the shock experienced by Indias iconic artist, SH Raza, when he visited an exhibition in Delhi in 2009, and found that most of his own works that were on display were fakes. If art forgery has prevailed since time immemorial, it only goes to prove that no robust authenticity system can ever be foolproof. Nor can any new copyright law combat this problem. The ingenuity of the human mind can transcend any technological trap. As long as art speaks to ones soul, there will always be a market and a black market for it, and that, unfortunately, is the hard truth!
