KOLKATA: Police is likely to meet Kali Puja organisers this week and stress to maintain the 2020 restrictions, which banned firecrackers and regulated entry inside pandals.
In Kolkata and suburbs 3262 Kali pujas are held.
In November last year, the Calcutta high court had issued a complete ban on the “use or display or bursting” of firecrackers across Bengal till the end of this month, “for the greater good of the citizens and in the larger public interest”. The ban included “all types of sparklers and the like” and everything which generates “sound or light”. Only “wax- or oil-based diyas” would be allowed, the HC had made it clear.
CM Mamata Banerjee has also urged people to show restraint during Diwali. In her Bijoya greetings letter, the CM urged all that while enjoying the festivities everyone should be careful and sensitive.
The police organisers meeting come ahead of the formal government guidelines for the Kali Puja and Diwali celebrations.
Janbazar Sammilito Kali Puja Samiti president Sandipan Saha said, “We will abide by the guidelines issued. Most organisers have planned their pandals keeping in mind the restrictions which were in force last year. All Covid guidelines will be followed.”
Lalbazar sources said that - just like Durga Puja - they are hoping that the government will issue an SOP that stresses on restrictions on fairs and cultural programmes that are held in certain pockets of the city during the festival.
Unlike Durga Puja, police believe it will be much easier to regulate Kali Puja as few of them are as elaborate. Pandals are usually located on the main road with the idols easily visible. Also, traditionally, the pandals are open on three sides. Also, the Puja is usually restricted to a day except on S N Banerjee Road and Amherst Street where the celebrations are held over three days.
Lalbazar said that besides the nine police divisions, the detective department has also formed crack teams to seize illegal fireworks.
Police will also enforce the Supreme Court order on firecrackers. A detailed communication on firecrackers is awaited, said sources.
EOM
Last year Calcutta high court Kali Puja and Diwali guidelines
Calcutta High Court had issued a complete ban on the “use or display or bursting” of firecrackers across Bengal till the end of this month, “for the greater good of the citizens and in the larger public interest”.
The ban included “all types of sparklers and the like” and everything which generates “sound or light”. Only “wax- or oil-based diyas” would be allowed, the HC made it clear.
The duration of the ban covers not only the twin festivals of Kali Puja and Diwali, but also Chhath Puja, Jagadhhatri Puja and Guru Nanak’s birthday celebrations.
The HC had directed the police to maintain strict vigil to ensure there was “no sale or purchase of firecrackers of any form” in the state for the duration of the ban.
The HC said that for Kali Puja, Jagaddhatri Puja and Kartick Puja pandals, the “no-entry zone” order issued for Durga Puja would apply.
But since Kali Puja pandals are smaller and there are fewer of them, the HC modified its order and said the no-entry zones would extend to a five-metre area on all sides that are open. Only dhakis would be allowed in this five-metre zone.
The HC also said sanitisers and masks would be mandatory, immersions should be low-key and processions would not be permitted. The use of bands and lights at the time of immersion would also be prohibited. The court allowed the local police to provide staggered timings at immersion ghats to prevent overcrowding.
