Panic during Durga Puja in Kolkata. Many people died
Quick Look
- During the Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, a tragedy occurred in the temporary pavilion (pandal), where heavy rainfall caused panic and crowds, leading to people being trampled.
- Witnesses reported many participants losing consciousness, and the injured were transported to hospitals, also on motorcycles.
- The facility was closed and similar structures were temporarily put out of use.
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Why It Matters
Durga Puja is an important Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, celebrated with offerings, recitations of religious texts, processions and cultural events. It is particularly significant in eastern India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
The incident took place in one of the so-called pandals, i.e. temporary pavilions built for religious celebrations. Images of the goddess Durga are placed inside them.
According to local police, heavy rainfall contributed to the tragedy, the Times of India reported. People waiting outside were about to move forward when it started to rain. Some people started falling onto the road, which led to chaos and trampling more people. Witnesses reported that many people lost consciousness and the injured were transported to hospitals, also on motorcycles.
The facility where the tragedy occurred has been closed. As a preventive measure, the police also decided to temporarily close other similar structures.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and representatives of the central, state and municipal governments expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed sympathy to the injured.
One of the most important Hindu holidays
Durga Puja is a festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, considered the slayer of demons and a symbol of the victory of good over evil. During the celebrations, the faithful make sacrifices, recite religious texts, participate in processions, cultural events and common feasts.
The annual celebrations are among the most important Hindu festivals in eastern India. They are also celebrated in neighboring Bangladesh and Nepal. Thousands of believers from all over the region come to Kolkata, which has a population of approximately 6.5 million people.
This year's celebrations started on Saturday and are scheduled to last until Wednesday.
Open Questions
- How many people exactly died and were injured in the incident?
- What specific actions will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?
- Has there been an investigation into the responsibility for organizing the event?
