Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kollata, Sep 21: As Bengal gears up for its grandest celebration, Durga Puja, the weather may play spoilsport with the Meteorological Office warning of rain and thunderstorms in the days leading up to the festivities. On Sunday, officials from the Met Department confirmed the formation of a cyclonic circulation over the North Andaman Sea and the adjoining Myanmar coast, which is expected to move north-northwest and reach the North Bay of Bengal by Monday.
Adding to this, a low-pressure system is likely to develop off the Myanmar-Bangladesh coast by September 25, which may intensify into a deep depression within two to three days. This development, officials said, could trigger widespread rainfall across Bengal—particularly along the coast—just as the Puja celebrations begin.
The rainfall is forecast to begin from Chaturthi (September 25), with the possibility of heavier downpours from Ashtami to Dashami (September 30 to October 2)—the core days of Durga Puja. Coastal districts such as South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore are under watch for potentially heavy rain, while Bankura could also be affected.
On Monday, light to moderate rain with thundershowers is expected across all districts in South Bengal, with heavy rainfall alerts issued for South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, and West Midnapore. These conditions will persist and intensify on Tuesday, extending to parts of Bankura.
North Bengal is not spared either. From Darjeeling to Malda, all districts are likely to experience rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph, particularly on Sunday.
Kolkata, the heart of the Puja celebrations, is expected to receive light to moderate rain from Monday onwards, potentially affecting the outdoor preparations and pandal visits that define the festive atmosphere in the city.
In anticipation of the weather disruptions, chief minister Mamata Banerjee has advised all Durga Puja committees to take necessary precautions and ensure safety measures are in place. Organisers have been asked to reinforce structures and prepare for waterlogging and storm-related disruptions.
As Bengal prepares to welcome Goddess Durga, all eyes are now on the skies, hoping that the spirit of the festival can weather the storm.