Durga Puja's Grand Finale Under Threat: Heavy Rains Loom Over Kolkata & Bengal on Dashami

The vibrant festivities of Durga Puja in Kolkata and across West Bengal are facing an ominous shadow as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues a fresh alert for heavy rainfall, particularly around Dashami. As millions prepare for the grand culmination of the year's most anticipated festival, the prospect of incessant downpours threatens to dampen the spirits and significantly disrupt the traditional idol immersion ceremonies, a spectacle integral to Vijayadashami.

According to the IMD's latest forecast, a cyclonic circulation is expected to develop over the Bay of Bengal, which could intensify into a low-pressure area.

This meteorological phenomenon is predicted to bring widespread rain and thundershowers to Gangetic West Bengal, with some areas bracing for heavy to very heavy rainfall. The timing couldn't be more critical, coinciding directly with the final days of Durga Puja, including Ashtami, Navami, and the much-anticipated Dashami, when goddesses are traditionally immersed.

Kolkata, the heart of Durga Puja celebrations, is on high alert.

The city, known for its elaborate pandals and grand processions leading to the Hooghly River for immersion, could see these cherished traditions severely impacted. The IMD's warning specifies an increased likelihood of heavy showers from October 1st, 2025 (as per the original article's date context) onwards, extending through the crucial period of Vijayadashami.

This could lead to waterlogging, traffic snarls, and pose significant logistical challenges for organizers and devotees alike.

Beyond Kolkata, districts across Gangetic West Bengal are also expected to bear the brunt of the inclement weather. Authorities are advising residents and puja committees to take necessary precautions, urging them to plan immersion schedules carefully and prepare for potential disruptions.

The forecast has prompted concerns among festival-goers and organizers who had hoped for clear skies to conclude the week-long revelry.

The possibility of a washed-out Dashami casts a pall over what is usually a joyous and poignant farewell to Goddess Durga. The final day, marked by sindoor khela and grand processions, is a deeply emotional experience for many.

While contingency plans might be in place for some large pandals, the widespread nature of the alert suggests that countless smaller community pujas and individual family immersions will also be affected, making this year's culmination of Durga Puja a test of resilience against nature's unpredictable moods.