Durga Puja festivities conclude in Kolkata as Lakshmi Puja preparations begin

In Kolkata, West Bengal, devotees gathered at Babu Ghat on Friday, October 23, 2026, to immerse clay idols of Goddess Durga in the Ganga. The ritual marked the conclusion of the Durga Puja festivities. Following the immersion, efforts were made to remove remnants of the clay idols from the river.

Simultaneously, preparations for Kojagari Lakshmi Puja are underway in areas such as Boxanagar. As the full moon phase approaches on October 25, local potters have begun displaying idols of Goddess Lakshmi. While artisans have produced a high volume of idols in various designs, many report that sales have been slower than expected, leading to concerns regarding seasonal livelihoods despite hopes for a last-minute surge in buyers.