Kolkata, People thronged Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata and the districts of West Bengal in the early hours of Monday to offer anjali on Mahashtami, in keeping the prescribed timing of the rituals this year.
However, the atmosphere at the Chorbagan Durga Puja mandap in north Kolkata was sombre in the aftermath of the fatal stampede that claimed 19 lives two days ago. From community pandals in the metropolis to traditional household celebrations and heritage shrines in the districts, devotees in new festive attire arrived in the pandals as priests led the chanting of mantras and hymns in praise of Goddess Durga. The early start saw worshippers gather at several puja venues at dawn, with children accompanying their parents and elderly devotees joining the rituals alongside younger generations, as families sought the blessings of the goddess on Mahashtami. The usual festive fervour was replaced by grief and a sense of loss, with local women and children expressing sadness over the tragedy.
Several residents said they were reluctant to offer anjali at the mandap this year, breaking a tradition they had followed for years.
