Update — 18 October 2026, 5:43 PM IST: Section 163 restrictions and affected streets confirmed
Kolkata Police have imposed three-day prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following the Chorbagan Durga Puja crowd tragedy. The police order described in public reporting applies 18–20 October 2026, unless changed by a further order, within a specified area under Bowbazar Police Station.
Reported boundaries: College Street, Central Avenue (CR Avenue), Colootola Street and Eden Hospital Road. Within the designated zone, the order prohibits unlawful assemblies of five or more people, carrying lathis or other dangerous weapons, and conduct likely to breach the peace. Processions and public meetings must comply with police directions.
What this means for readers: This is a location-specific public-order measure, not a citywide curfew or blanket prohibition on travelling across Kolkata. The order does not itself establish that every Durga Puja venue is closed. Do not obstruct barricades or join an unlawful gathering in the restricted area; consult the latest Kolkata Police notices and officers on the ground for the exact perimeter and any changes.
MOJO PULSE has cross-checked the reported terms and boundary description across multiple accounts, but has not independently obtained a signed copy of the Commissioner’s order. This advisory will be revised if an official notice changes the scope or duration.
Update — 18 October 2026: Pandal safety review and assistance lines
A high-level state committee has been announced to examine crowd management, emergency exits and structural safety at major Durga Puja pandals. The review is expected to help shape additional safety guidance for organisers and visitors. Its announcement does not establish that every venue has already been inspected or cleared.
Chorbagan assistance helplines: 1800-345-5678 and 033-2214-1310 have been publicly announced for information and assistance relating to the incident. Readers should use these numbers for incident-related queries and follow current Kolkata Police instructions. For an immediate emergency, contact the appropriate emergency service.
Entry restrictions can change rapidly. Check police and organiser notices before visiting a pandal, and do not assume a venue is open based on an earlier itinerary.
Updated 18 October 2026 | MOJO PULSE Visitor Advisory. Several Durga Puja venues in Kolkata reportedly suspended public access following the deadly crowd incident at Chorbagan on 17 October. Closure announcements can change quickly. This is a record of reported restrictions, not a live confirmation of which gates are open right now.
Which pandals were reported closed or restricted?
Chorbagan Sarbojanin: Police closed the pandal after the incident. Tala Prattoy: Aaj Tak Bangla reported a temporary suspension of visitor access. Chetla Agrani: The same report described a closure. Allen Park: Its light-and-laser show was reportedly stopped. The Times of India reported that College Square and Md Ali Park also closed their gates during the immediate response in North Kolkata.
These reports describe the situation on 17–18 October. They do not establish the current operating status of every venue. Other major pandals may remain open with additional restrictions, so blanket claims that all pandals are shut would be misleading.
What should pandal-hoppers do?
Before starting a route, check Kolkata Police traffic notices, official organiser channels and the latest credible local reporting. Build flexible neighbourhood-based itineraries rather than crossing the city for a single venue. If access is restricted, do not crowd around barricades or try alternate unofficial entrances.
The MOJO PULSE perspective: a route is only useful if it is current
Our Puja guides help readers discover Kolkata’s art, culture and neighbourhoods. But in a developing public-safety situation, responsible city journalism must prioritise access information over promotional itineraries. A saved Google Maps route cannot guarantee that a pandal is open or safe to enter. Venue closures, crowd controls and Metro arrangements should be checked on the day of travel.
We will keep this advisory separate from the main incident report so visitors can find practical information without having to read repeated accounts of the tragedy.
Latest access advisory — 18 October
Other pandals: Reports of temporary closures and access restrictions are subject to change. Do not interpret a previously reported closure as proof that a pandal remains shut now. Check official police and organiser notices before departing.
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