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Kolkata's Durga Puja Carnival Sparks Controversy Amid Flood Tragedy

10/7/2025

34 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Durga Puja carnival in Kolkata began October 5, 2025, despite North Bengal floods with at least 23 dead.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for prioritizing the festival over disaster response and urged cancellation.
Thousands attended 116 pandals; Banerjee announced a North Bengal visit on Oct 6, 2025.

History

Historical Context

The Durga Puja festival in Kolkata has been celebrated publicly since 1910, when the British colonial government recognized it, leading to thousands attending. This year's controversy amid North Bengal floods reflects historical tensions between cultural celebrations and disaster management, echoing ongoing political challenges in balancing community traditions with governmental responsibilities during crises.

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Story summary

The Durga Puja carnival in Kolkata began October 5, 2025, despite North Bengal floods with at least 23 dead.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for prioritizing the festival over disaster response and urged cancellation.
Thousands attended 116 pandals; Banerjee announced a North Bengal visit on Oct 6, 2025.

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