IMD Forecasts Rain During Durga Puja Festival in Bengal

PTI, Oct 9, 2026, Kolkata: Durga Puja celebrations in parts of south Bengal, including Kolkata, could be affected by rain during the initial days of the five-day festival, with the IMD on Friday forecasting light to moderate showers at a few places.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light to moderate rain is likely from October 15 to 17, with Sasthi, the inaugural day of the festival, falling on October 17.

Light rain or thundershowers are likely at one or two places in south Bengal on Saptami and Ashtami, October 18 and 19, respectively, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Mainly dry weather is expected across south Bengal on Navami and Dashami, October 20 and 21, it added.

Durga Puja, widely recognised for its elaborate public art and community celebrations, draws millions of people to thousands of pandals across Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal.

Rain before and during the festival could affect the intricate artworks on display at these pandals.

The weather could also disrupt pandal-hopping and celebrations with friends and family, a major part of the festivities.

“We have been making preparations for months for the festival, with artwork and other arrangements,” said Uttam Ghosh, an organiser of a community Durga Puja in south Kolkata’s Bosepukur area.

“We only hope that the rains do not play spoilsport during the Puja days,” he said.