‘We don’t know what we will do’: Kolkata Puja organisers hit hard by sudden flooding just days ahead of Panchami

Durga Puja Committees that had been working round the clock to finish intricate installations, lighting and rehearsals found weeks of effort ruined within hours.The water which entered the pandals damaged plywood planks, cloth, designs and decorations in and around.Electric appliances, lighting arrangements were also damaged due to the water.

At Bosepukur Talbagan, organisers said the pandal remained submerged for hours after nearly five hours of relentless rain, forcing volunteers to shut electrical supply and begin emergency pumping operations.

Hatibagan Nabin Pally, located in a low-lying lane, reported extensive damage. “There is significant waterlogging inside and around the pandal. Parts of the walls have come off. We had opened for a preview show and planned a short closure before reopening on the 25th, now we don’t know what we will do,” said Amitava Roy, general secretary.

The heavy rain also wrecked displays and fragile art works prepared over months.

Santoshpur Lake Pally officials said that an artificial lotus pond and replicas of Bengal School paintings were washed away. “The replicas of artworks by Bengal School painters like Nandalal Basu, Jamini Roy and Abanindranath Tagore – put up in the pandal courtyard on the pathway to the idol – have been destroyed in the rains. These have been prepared for months with lots of care, and we are not sure how to replace them,” said Somnath Das, a committee official, adding that power cuts in affected pockets prevented welding and other repair work from starting.

Not all committees were equally affected. Some, including Hindustan Club and Kashi Bose Lane, reported only minor plaster damage or intact core installations, though approach roads and stall areas suffered. “We are lucky our mondop (pavilion) is intact. Volunteers have been clearing debris and if there is no more rain we should be able to make up for lost time,” said Somen Dutta of Kashi Bose Lane.

For many small traders and hawkers, however, the storm came at the worst possible moment. Hatibagan and Gariahat markets, in the final stretch of puja trade, recorded heavy losses after stock kept in trunks on pavements was soaked. “Most of my clothes are ruined. I have lost about Rs 3 lakh. The last days before the pujas are crucial for us,” said Krishnendu Ghorai, a hat seller at Hatibagan. Another vendor, Ratikanta Das, said he arrived in the early hours only to find knee-deep water and ruined inventory.

Several prominent pandals postponed inaugurations and rearranged schedules. Tridhara Akhbodhan, one of the city’s best-known destination pujas, deferred its planned inauguration by the chief minister to the following evening.

College Square pushed back its inauguration by a day and sheltered artisans and dhakis in nearby buildings, arranging food so work could resume once the water receded. “Our artisans, dhakis (drummers) have been sheltered on the first floor of a nearby building, and we arranged food for them. We hope the situation will not complicate further, a College Square spokesperson said, adding that the electrical wiring of the pandal and the famous illumination on the waterbody is being checked again

Organisers described frantic scenes: volunteers pumping out water, electricians checking wiring, and carpenters trying to salvage scaffolding and props. At Santoshpur, the committee said it had closed the pandal to viewers for two days to allow restoration work. “Until power is restored and the courtyard waters are pumped out, we cannot resume decorative work in earnest. We have to work on a war footing,” Somnath Das said.

The rain also revived long-running complaints about the city’s drainage. Several organisers and local representatives blamed inadequate civic drainage for exacerbating the flooding. With arterial roads blocked and local drains overwhelmed, commuters struggled across the city and transport services were disrupted.

Despite the damage and financial losses, a resilient mood pervaded many committees. Volunteers pressed on, determined to open their pandals for the festival.

“We are racing against time and the skies,” said an organiser. “If the rain subsides and power returns, we will try to salvage as much as we can. Kolkata’s puja spirit is stubborn, people will make it work.”

In the meantime, committees have appealed for calm, logistical support and deadlines to be relaxed where possible so the city can still welcome the goddess amid repaired colours and newly mended hopes.

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