Sudden hour-long downpour sparks stampede at Kolkata's Chorbagan puja pandal

On Saturday evening, Kolkata experienced an abrupt and intense rain spell that persisted for roughly an hour, catching worshippers at the Chorbagan puja pandal off guard. The drizzle quickly escalated into a heavy downpour, prompting large numbers of visitors to rush inside the temporary structure for protection. The growing crowd, combined with soggy ground that reduced footing, sparked a stampede.

Deputy Director General of Meteorology H R Biswas said the phenomenon was caused by a retreating wedge associated with the monsoon’s withdrawal, which produced a longer-lasting shower than the Met office had predicted. Although the rain was not classified as heavy, its sustained intensity for more than 45 minutes was enough to create hazardous conditions. Officials forecast dry weather from Sunday through Dashami, with virtually no chance of further moderate or heavy rain.