Kali Puja: Barasat police ban overhead gates along national highway
The Statesman | 9 October 2025The move comes after several incidents of such temporary structures collapsing during recent storms in different parts of the state, including New Town, causing traffic chaos and damaging vehicles. Officials said the decision has been taken to prevent any untoward incidents during the upcoming festivities, which draw lakhs of devotees and visitors from Kolkata and adjoining districts. The police have also prohibited installation of stalls along national highway-112 (Barasat-Petrapole) and National Highway-12, the key route connecting Barasat with north Bengal. District police superintendent Pratiksha Jharkharia already inspected several major pandals across the town, accompanied by additional SP (zonal) Atish Biswas and SDPO (Barasat) Ajinkya Anant.
The team reviewed safety arrangements, entry and exit routes for visitors, and adherence to government regulations by the Puja organisers. “We have advised all Puja committees to build ‘L-shaped’ entry structures instead of overhead arches to avoid accidents. Vendors will not be allowed to set up stalls on busy stretches of the highway or around the main pandal areas. Committees have also been instructed to instal adequate barricades for crowd management,” Ms Jharkharia said. She added that last year several issues arose regarding parking, crowd movement and inconvenience to local residents. “This time, we are reviewing each pandal’s location, approach road, and crowd-control plan in advance. The aim is to ensure smooth traffic movement and safety for all,” she said.
A coordination meeting has been called on 13 October, where police and administrative officials will issue detailed safety guidelines to all clubs and organisers. Barasat’s Kali Puja, often described as Bengal’s second biggest festival after Kolkata’s Durga Puja attracts visitors from across the state. Themed pandals, grand lighting arrangements, and artistic idols have made Barasat’s celebration a household name. Among the high-budget Pujas inspected were KNC Regiment, Sandhani, Nabapalli Amra Sobai, Nabapally Sarbojanin, and Pioneer Athletic Club — all known for their elaborate themes and decoration. This year’s themes promise to add a new dimension to the festival.
Pioneer Athletic Club is recreating the grandeur of the Mysore Palace, while KNC Regiment Club’s theme “He Bangabhumi Tumi Antaryami” will depict Bengal’s cultural essence with a replica of the Tirupati Balaji temple. Rising star Kishore Sporting Club plans to take visitors on a “visa-free journey” to Indonesia through its cross-cultural theme, while Nopara Kalyan Samiti is building a replica of Dakshineswar temple featuring a 16-foot idol. Other attractions include Sandhani’s Mayapur ISKCON theme, Nabapalli Amra Sobai’s Dwarka, Nabapalli Association’s Vrindavan Chandrodaya temple, Agowan Sangha’s Mahakumbh, Shatadal Sangha’s Ardha Akasher Artonad, and Balak Brinda Sporting Club’s Swaminarayan Temple made entirely of shells.
As the festive spirit grips Barasat and Madhyamgram, preparations are in full swing. With massive footfalls expected over three to four days of the celebration, the administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a safe and smooth Kali Puja this year.
