The Hindu

Kolkata stampede: Police seek voice samples of 2 accused over loudspeaker announcement, move court

A loudspeaker announcement that a portion of the Chorbagan puja pandal was collapsing allegedly sparked panic among revellers, triggering a stampede-like situation

24 Oct 2026 4:58 pm

Politics of change at the pandals

West Bengals first Durga Puja under the BJP government reflects a political shift, with changes in puja committee leadership, themes and a growing emphasis on religious traditions. Shiv Sahay Singh and Shrabana Chatterjee explore the festivities from debates over food and cultural identity to restrictions on public spaces to reveal how the new regime is reshaping the States political and cultural landscape

19 Oct 2026 12:02 am