Written by Sweety Mishra Kolkata | September 28, 2025 05:37 PM IST 3 min readThe enthusiasm this year was palpable, with revellers starting to throng pandals from Tritiya. (Express photo by Partha Paul)Kolkata burst into life on Maha Sasthi, witnessing an electrifying atmosphere as thousands of people, dressed in new attire, plunged into the Durga Puja merriment. The clear skies during the day time, despite an India Meteorological Department alert, were the “icing on the cake,” providing a dry day with welcome sunshine.The enthusiasm this year was palpable, with revellers starting to throng pandals from Tritiya. This massive turnout, numbering in crores, is attributed to Unesco declaring Durga Puja as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.Revellers were particularly drawn to Sreebhumi, Simla Byayam Samity, Kumartuli-Ahiritola, and Bagbazar Sarbojanin. Areas around Ekdalia Evergreen and the Jodhpur Park-Selimpur-Babubagan stretch also saw a massive rise in footfall, leading to slow traffic movement in various parts of Kolkata.To manage the immense crowds and traffic, the police have implemented an extensive security plan. Approximately 30 per cent of the force is dedicated to traffic regulation, especially around major Puja pandals.To curb traffic rule violations, special checking is being conducted at around 20 strategic points, in addition to routine checks by the 25 traffic guards. The police have identified spots prone to jams and will deploy personnel in three shifts daily.Big pandals are overseen by multiple senior officers, with divisional deputy commissioners supervising their respective zones. About 500 pickets have been set up citywide.Anti-crime teams patrol with 62 police control room vans, supported by special striking force units, 29 heavy radio flying squad vehicles, and divisional control room vans on round-the-clock duty. The all-women winners’ team is specifically tasked with patrolling crowded areas to prevent crimes against women.Story continues below this adTo ease congestion, the movement of goods vehicles has been restricted. General goods vehicles have a limited window for city entry:Till Saptami: 2 am – 6 am (four hours)Ashtami: 3 am – 6 am (three hours)Navami: 4 am – 6 am (two hours)However, vehicles carrying essential and perishable items like LPG cylinders, medicines, vegetables, milk, and fish are allowed between 10 pm and 6 am.While no major road closures are announced, traffic on certain routes will be reversed.The police have advised residents to follow the route map available at police kiosks, on the Kolkata Police website, and on the Puja Bandhu app. The traffic control room can be reached at 2214-3644 and 2242-7248.Story continues below this adAdditionally, the police are coordinating with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation to ensure sewer lines around pandals are kept clean–a measure to mitigate issues should rain occur despite the current dry spell.Maha Sasthi marks the beginning of the Durga Puja festival.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Kolkata