Grand immersion carnival in the offing with Kali idols

Kolkata: The days are not far when Kolkata will witness a carnival during the immersion of idols of goddess Kali as it had taken place on Red Road on October 3 with idols of goddess Durga.

In a meeting organised by Kolkata Police with Kali Puja organisers in the city at Kala Mandir, the Puja organisers have raised their demand of organising a carnival with idols of goddess Kali. Officers of the state Fire and Emergency Service department, Pollution Control Board and power utility were also present in the meeting.

Rajeev Kumar, Commissioner of Kolkata Police, said that anything that is good and appreciated by people takes place again and again. So there are opportunities that carnival with idols of goddess Kali may also happen.

He further said that like Durga Puja organisers, Kali Puja organisers can also avail the "Aasaan" app to get necessary clearances to organise Kali Puja.

The app was introduced by the police in 2016 and this year the platform has been made available for Kali Puja organisers as well.

At the same time, single window system is also in place through which Kali Puja organisers can acquire clearances.

Supratim Sarkar, Joint Commissioner of Police (Headquarters), said: "Like Durga Puja, DJs will not be allowed in the immersion procession of Kali Puja in the city."

He directed all the deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners of police and officers in charge to inform all the Puja organisers in the respective areas under their jurisdiction that DJ will not be allowed at all during the immersion procession with idols of goddess Kali.

The Kolkata Police may also help the Kali puja committees by providing hoardings to create awareness on "Safe Drive, Save Life".

Senior police officers urged the puja organisers to take necessary steps so that pandal hoppers do not face any trouble.

Many foreigners may also visit the Puja mandaps with FIFA Under-17 Football World Cup going on in the city.