Massive Devotee Turnout Marks Maha Ashtami Across West Bengal Pandals

West Bengal reverberated with devotion on Tuesday as thousands of devotees, from children to the elderly, thronged Durga Puja pandals across the state to celebrate Maha Ashtami, the most auspicious day of the five-day festival. Dressed in vibrant traditional attire, worshippers offered 'anjali'—floral tributes with marigolds and bel leaves—amid the rhythmic beats of dhaak drums and priests’ mantras echoing through bustling pandals.

Despite sultry weather, long queues formed at iconic Kolkata venues like Santosh Mitra Square, Kumartuli Park, and College Square, underscoring the festival’s cultural pull, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2021. An estimated 2 crore visitors are expected across 40,000 pandals statewide, contributing Rs 50,000 crore to the local economy, per CII estimates.

Historic sites amplified the spiritual fervour. At Sobhabazar Rajbari, a 250-year-old household puja founded by Raja Nabakrishna Deb, rituals unfolded with regal splendour, drawing crowds eager to witness centuries-old traditions blending aristocracy with devotion. Belur Math, headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, hosted thousands for the revered Kumari Puja, where a young girl is worshipped as Durga’s living embodiment, symbolising divine feminine energy.

The day’s pinnacle, the 48-minute Sandhi Puja at the Ashtami-Navami juncture, commemorates Durga’s triumph over demons Chanda and Munda, with priests preparing for this sacred ritual under heightened anticipation.

Celebrations extended beyond Kolkata to Durgapur, Asansol, Kalyani, and Siliguri, where pandals showcased artistic themes ranging from eco-friendly bamboo designs to replicas of Varanasi ghats. Kolkata Police deployed over 5,000 personnel to manage crowds and traffic, ensuring smooth access despite humid conditions.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who inaugurated several pandals, emphasised inclusivity, launching food drives for the underprivileged. Social media buzzed with #DurgaPuja2025, capturing illuminated setups and devotees’ fervour, amplifying Bengal’s global cultural footprint.

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Environmental concerns loomed, with activists urging biodegradable idols to curb Hooghly River pollution—70% of 2025’s idols use clay and straw, per state mandates. Labour unions also raised issues of artisan wages, as the festival’s economic boom often sidesteps fair compensation. As Bengal heads toward Dashami’s immersion on October 2, the state’s unity in faith and festivity highlights Durga Puja’s enduring role as a cultural and spiritual cornerstone, navigating modern challenges while celebrating timeless traditions.

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