Low-Key Kali Puja Celebrations In West Bengal This Year After Government Urges Restraint

With an eye on the subsequent air pollution spike and adverse effects on the health of COVID-19 patients, the West Bengal government has advised people to celebrate with caution this year.

Every year, when Diwali comes around, India gears up to celebrate in grand fashion. In Kolkata, Diwali celebrations include Kali Puja, which, while being a treat to watch and enjoy, often precede a spike in air pollution following the traditional bursting of crackers as part of the celebrations.

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However, keeping in mind that this could have disastrous consequences on the health of COVID-19 patients and those with respiratory diseases in addition to the damage caused to the environment, the West Bengal government has urged citizens not to burst crackers this year and to celebrate responsibly.

The advisory was issued after a meeting chaired by CM Mamata Bannerjee at Nabanna, following which Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay elaborated on the government’s plans.

Pic Credits: TOI

Pointing out that earlier restraint displayed during Durga Puja was yielding positive results such as declining death and infection rates, Bandyopadhyay called on the citizens to keep the discipline so as not to reverse the trend. He also called for an embargo on immersion processions and cultural functions while outlining safety measures for Kali Puja organisers to keep in mind.

Open pandals, mandatory face masks, and sanitisation practices are to be put in place for Kali Puja celebrations, with the government allowing a roof to be placed over the idol but ordering all sides of the pandal to be kept open to allow proper ventilation.

Pic Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Following the appeal, Kolkata and Howrah police have decided not to allow any bazi bazaar (the annual pre-Kali Puja fireworks mart) this year. Many of the city’s crowd-pulling Kali Puja organisers are also intentionally keeping this year’s events low-key, canceling immersion and inauguration events along with celebrity appearances and other functions that lead to large gatherings of people.

The organisers of famous Kolkata Kali Puja events, such as the Janbazar Sanmilito Kalipujo and the Phata Kestor Puja in central Kolkata’s Sitaram Ghosh Street, have taken the lead on this matter, stating that they would only stick to traditional pujas without all other activities. Similar steps have been taken by the organisers of Amherst Street Kalipujo and the Bomer Pujo in Tollygunge, with strict social distancing norms also being put in place. 

Not only are the government’s recommendations being followed, but some Kali Puja organisers have also pledged to use a portion of their funds to aid those affected by the pandemic, showing the right way to celebrate the festival of light.