Rain to mar arrival of Goddess Durga

Kolkata: Rain is back to haunt Kolkatans before their biggest festival begins on the next Friday as the Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore on Tuesday predicted scattered rainfall during the Pujas thereby dampening the spirit of pandal- hoppers.

The weather office said there may be intermittent rainfall in the city along with occasional thunder shower from Shasthi to Ashtami.

There is no prediction of heavy rainfall as of now. The intensity of the rainfall may be slightly higher on the days of Nabami and Dashami.

A senior weather official said the city may receive more rainfall during day time while during night the intensity of the rainfall may be reduced marginally.

There is also a possibility of lightning and thunder shower in some of the South Bengal districts. Pandal-hoppers, who are gearing up for Pujas, may have to carry umbrellas while stepping out of their houses.

The city also received rainfall on the day of Mahalaya. A low-pressure trough that extended from Uttar Pradesh to north-eastern Bay of Bengal brought rainfall throughout the state in the past few days.

Due to incessant rainfall in the past few days, Puja organizers faced difficulties to set up puja pandals.

Many Durga Puja committees in Kolkata have formed WhatsApp groups, which will provide time-to-time update on the weather condition. Some of the organizers have made temporary sheds for devotees outside pandals to prevent any mishap.

An organizer of a big-budget Puja in the city said they have formed a dedicated group to keep every information about all the latest weather updates and the steps needed to prevent the rain from spoiling the celebrations.

"We have already increased the height of the roof of main pandal that can accommodate at least 200 people during heavy rain and will also make temporary sheds outside the pandal that can act as a cover for revellers," the organizer said.

Maddox Square, one of the popular destinations during Puja South, has built a

makeshift roof to cover the field.

The organising committee has also covered the ground with wooden platform.