Large crowds fill puja pandals across West Bengal on the evening of Saptami during Durga Puja, amid reports of accidents and deaths due to stampedes from various parts of the state. Contributing factors to the tragic stampede at the Durga Puja pandal include heavy weekend crowds, narrow entry and exit routes, and a "low light" theme. As a precaution, the viewing of the idols has been temporarily suspended at several puja pandals due to security concerns. Near the village, in semi-urban areas, traditional idols are placed alongside statues, arranged in an artistic manner for the purpose of worship. Arrangements are made to provide food, allowing any visitor to enjoy a complimentary vegetarian meal. For this purpose, a temporary dining area and a kitchen are set up next to the puja pavilion, stocked with a variety of vegetables. People dance to music played on loudspeakers at the puja pandal, while firecrackers are set off on the nearby street. People fill the streets—walking, riding motorcycles, or driving cars—to view the idols. A family member assists a person in a wheelchair to see the idols and buys roasted peanuts from a temporary stall in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on October 17, 2026.
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