IMD Issues Heavy Rain Warning for Kolkata and South Bengal on Durga Puja Dashami
Kolkata, October 2, 2025 — The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for heavy rainfall across Kolkata and parts of South Bengal on Vijaya Dashami, raising concerns over Durga Puja immersion ceremonies planned across the city and nearby districts.
A Cloudy Dashami Ahead
According to IMD, a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify, leading to widespread rain in southern districts of West Bengal. Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, and East Midnapore are likely to experience moderate to heavy showers on October 2, coinciding with the most significant day of Durga Puja — Dashami.
An IMD official said:
“The system developing over the Bay is bringing significant moisture into Gangetic Bengal. Heavy rainfall is expected on Dashami, particularly in Kolkata and coastal districts, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds in some areas.”
Concerns for Puja Committees and Devotees
Durga Puja, Bengal’s grandest festival, concludes with Dashami — when idols of Goddess Durga are carried in processions for immersion into rivers and ponds. The possibility of heavy rain has left puja committees and city officials anxious, as lakhs of devotees are expected to take part in the farewell rituals.
Local puja organizers said the forecast poses logistical challenges. “We had made elaborate arrangements for processions and cultural events on Dashami evening. Heavy rain will make it difficult for crowds to gather and for idols to be transported safely for immersion,” said Arup Mukherjee, secretary of a major puja committee in North Kolkata.
Traffic and Safety Measures
The Kolkata Police has already deployed additional forces for crowd and traffic management on Dashami, but authorities are now preparing contingency plans for heavy rains.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has also activated its emergency response teams to deal with potential waterlogging, a recurring problem in the city during monsoon downpours. Pumps have been placed in flood-prone neighborhoods like Ultadanga, Behala, and Topsia to clear accumulated rainwater quickly.
Commissioner of Police, Vineet Goyal, stated:
“We will ensure that immersion processions are conducted smoothly despite weather challenges. Emergency teams will be stationed at key ghats, and additional lighting and barricades will be arranged for safety.”
Sentiments of the Devotees
For many Bengalis, Dashami is a deeply emotional occasion — bidding farewell to Goddess Durga with rituals like Sindoor Khela and processions filled with music and dance. The rain forecast has left many devotees disappointed but hopeful that celebrations will continue with the same spirit.
Rita Banerjee, a local resident, said: “Even if it rains, our devotion cannot be washed away. We will celebrate, get drenched in the rain, and send Maa Durga off with love.”
Economic Impact
Durga Puja also fuels massive economic activity in Bengal, with pandal decorations, cultural shows, and food stalls contributing to seasonal revenue. Sudden rainfall on Dashami could disrupt evening footfall, particularly for small vendors and performers relying on crowds during immersion processions.
Economists estimate that inclement weather could lead to crores in losses for local businesses if festivities are hampered significantly.
A Rain-Soaked Farewell?
Meteorologists suggest that while heavy rain may cause inconvenience, it will also bring relief from the humid conditions that have prevailed in the region over the past week. Temperatures are expected to drop by 2–3 degrees Celsius following the showers.
As the city braces for a rain-soaked Dashami, many see it as a reminder of the raw, unpredictable beauty of Bengal’s festival season — where devotion, music, colors, and even rain blend into one unforgettable celebration.