Durga Puja 2026 Mahalaya: The Complete Guide to Dates, Rituals, and the Iconic Radio Broadcast Mahalaya 2026 falls on October 10, marking the start of Devi Paksha and Durga Puja festivities. Here's your complete guide to dates, tarpan timings, the iconic Mahishasuramardini broadcast, and what's new in Kolkata this year. Introduction For millions of Bengalis across India and the world, the arrival of Durga Puja is not announced by calendars or advertisements. It is announced by a voice. At 4 AM on Mahalaya morning, that voice—Birendra Krishna Bhadra's—comes through radio sets, YouTube streams, and car speakers, reciting the Chandipath with a resonance that has defined the season for over ninety years . Mahalaya 2026 falls on Saturday, October 10 . It marks the final day of Pitru Paksha, the fortnight dedicated to ancestors, and the first day of Devi Paksha, when Goddess Durga is believed to begin her journey toward Earth . This year brings a notable shift: Mahalaya arrives...
West Bengal Reels After Kanchanjunga Express Tragedy: A Call for Improved Safety Measures West Bengal is still grappling with the aftermath of the horrific train accident that occurred on June 17, 2024, involving the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express and a goods train. The collision, which took place near Rangapani station in Darjeeling district, claimed nine lives and left many others injured. This tragedy has cast a dark shadow over the state, prompting urgent questions about railway safety protocols and the need for stricter enforcement. The initial reports suggested a malfunctioning automatic signaling system as a potential cause for the accident. This raises serious concerns about the overall infrastructure and maintenance practices within the railway network. A thorough investigation is imperative to identify the root cause of this incident and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The impact of the accident went far beyond the immedi...