Durga Puja Weather Update: Will Rain Spoil Pandal Hopping After Saptami?

Lakhs of people searching বৃষ্টি (rain) on 18 October 2026 are trying to find out whether the Durga Puja festivities in Kolkata and the rest of West Bengal will be disrupted by more rain, after showers already affected celebrations on the first Saptami.

Did rain affect the first Saptami?

Yes. According to Anandabazar Patrika, rain had already troubled devotees and pandal-hoppers during the first Saptami of the festival, and the report raises the question of whether a second round of rain could affect celebrations again as the puja moves into its later days.

Is a fresh low-pressure system forming over Bengal?

There is concern about it. ABP Ananda reported that there are fears of a fresh depression (নিম্নচাপ) forming, and that the weather department has issued a significant update regarding this possibility. The outlet did not specify exact rainfall figures or the depression's expected landfall location in the available report, so residents should rely on official India Meteorological Department bulletins for precise numbers as they are released.

What has the weather office said about Ashtami onwards?

Despite the worry over a fresh system, Sangbad Pratidin reported that the weather office has indicated the three main days of the puja — typically covering Ashtami onward — are expected to be "dry days" with no significant rain, which would be good news for those planning pandal hopping from Ashtami. This appears to offer some relief after the disruption seen on Saptami, though the forecast can change as fresh weather systems develop.

What should residents and visitors do?

Since the reports show some uncertainty — a fresh depression being watched on one hand, and dry days being forecast on the other — people heading out for pandal hopping in Kolkata and across West Bengal should:

• Check the latest IMD and local weather department bulletins before stepping out, rather than relying only on earlier forecasts.
• Carry a compact umbrella or raincoat even if dry weather is predicted, given how quickly conditions changed around Saptami.
• Avoid low-lying or waterlogging-prone routes near major pandals if rain alerts are issued.
• Keep an eye on official updates in case the depression mentioned by ABP Ananda strengthens, as this could change the dry-day forecast for Ashtami, Nabami or Dashami.

Why this matters today

Durga Puja is one of the biggest festivals in West Bengal, drawing massive crowds to pandals across Kolkata and other cities for days of celebration. Weather directly affects outdoor festivities, transport, and safety for the crowds thronging pandals, which is why so many people are searching for rain updates today. As of 18 October 2026, the exact rainfall amounts, the depression's strength, and its possible track have not been detailed in the available reports, so readers are advised to follow official meteorological updates as the puja days progress.