What Happened at the Chetla Agrani Durga Puja Pandal?
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Synopsis
A minor fire incident caused the closure of the Chetla Agrani Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, raising concerns about safety and damage during the festive season. With the theme 'In Search of Amritkumbh,' the celebration faced unexpected challenges, leaving devotees anxious for updates on reopening.
Key Takeaways
- Minor fire
- Organized by Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim.
- Theme this year is 'In Search of Amritkumbh.'
- Club issued an apology for the inconvenience caused.
- Significant rainfall contributed to various disruptions in Kolkata.
Kolkata, Sep 25 (NationPress) A minor fire erupted at the well-known Chetla Agrani Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Thursday, prompting the immediate closure of the pavilion for visitors that day.
This puja, which draws huge crowds annually, is organized by West Bengal Minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim.
As of now, there has been no announcement regarding its reopening for the public.
The exact cause of the fire remains unclear, although it has been successfully controlled after five fire engines were dispatched to the site.
In a statement released on social media, the Chetla Agrani Club noted, "Due to an unforeseen incident, our Chetla Agrani Club Pandal will remain closed today. We will provide updates on when it will reopen for the devotees and visitors. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused."
This year's theme is 'In Search of Amritkumbh,' serving as a special tribute to what would have been the birth centenary of the late Bengali writer Samaresh Basu.
The mandap is adorned with 'Rudraksha' decorations.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee officially inaugurated the mandap, which opened its doors to visitors the same day.
This incident has cast a shadow over the festive spirit, affecting the many eager visitors lined up to enter.
Recently, a month's worth of rain fell within just five hours on Tuesday, compounded by high tide in the River Hooghly, leading to extensive waterlogging throughout the city.
Tragically, nearly 10 individuals were electrocuted in West Bengal, including eight in Kolkata.
Both train and metro services faced disruptions, while traffic in Kolkata was brought to a standstill due to extensive waterlogging.
Moreover, several puja mandaps and pavilions were damaged as a result of the heavy rainfall.
It remains uncertain if the rain or the water accumulation outside the mandap on Wednesday contributed to today's fire incident.
Point of View
It's crucial to approach this incident with a focus on the safety of the public while emphasizing the cultural significance of the Durga Puja celebrations. The community's dedication and the need for vigilance during such festive gatherings cannot be overstated, especially in light of recent weather challenges.
NationPress
25/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire at the Chetla Agrani Durga Puja pandal?
The exact cause of the fire remains uncertain and is currently under investigation.
When will the Chetla Agrani pandal reopen?
There has been no official announcement regarding the reopening of the pandal for visitors.
What is this year's theme for the Durga Puja?
The theme for this year's Durga Puja is 'In Search of Amritkumbh,' honoring the birth centenary of writer Samaresh Basu.
Were there any injuries reported from the fire?
There have been no reports of injuries associated with the fire at the Chetla Agrani pandal.
How did the recent rainfall affect the celebrations?
The heavy rainfall led to significant waterlogging and disruption across the city, impacting the festivities.
