Mega Durga Puja carnival in Kolkata after 2-year Covid-19 hiatus, 2500 cops deployed – India Today

The much-awaited Durga Puja carnival took place in Kolkata after a gap of two years. According to reports, more than 90 Durga pandal committees participated in the event that took place at Kolkata’s Red Road area.

Several roads would be closed for more than six hours in Kolkata. (Photo: Special arrangement)

By Suryagni Roy: After a gap of 2 years, the mega Durga Puja carnival took place in Kolkata where more than 90 Durga pandal committees participated. The carnival happened at Kolkata’s iconic Red Road area which is also the location for the Independence and Republic Day Parade. The carnival has not happened due to Covid-19 restrictions in the past two years.

Various pandal committees showcased their idols in colourful tableaux accompanied by their members performing cultural programmes. 94 Puja Committees have participated in the Carnival in 2022.

Each puja committee will get three minutes to play their theme song and perform any cultural programme. Several roads would be closed for more than six hours in the heart of Kolkata.

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Renowned classical dancer Dona Ganguly’s dance troupe performed at the inauguration of the event which had West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as it’s Chief Guest.

Apart from Mamata Banerjee, senior government officials and dignitaries from foreign embassies and consulates and representatives of UNESCO were present.

West Bengal is also celebrating UNESCOs recognition to Kolkatas Durga Puja following its inclusion in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December last year.

As per Kolkata Police sources, more than 2000 police personnel were deployed for the carnival.