Last Updated on October 19, 2026 3:17 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
By Aafreen Hussain
Kolkata’s Durga Puja is more than a religious festival; it is a celebration of faith, culture and family togetherness. Every year, thousands of people travel from distant places to admire the city’s magnificent Pandals and vibrant festivities. But for Sanatan Pramanik, a visit to Kolkata from Arambagh in Hooghly district turned into an unimaginable tragedy. The stampede at the Chorabagan Durga Puja pandal claimed the lives of his 25-year-old wife, Pyali, his elder sister and his 14-year-old nephew, Sandeep.
A Family Outing Ends in Tragedy
According to local media reports, Sanatan had brought his family to Kolkata to enjoy the festive atmosphere and create happy memories. Like countless other visitors, they had hoped to experience the grandeur of the city’s famous Durga Puja celebrations before returning home.
However, the situation at the Chorabagan pandal suddenly deteriorated as crowd pressure and pushing made movement difficult, particularly near the exit. Amid the confusion, Sanatan desperately tried to get his loved ones to safety. But the growing pressure of the crowd made his efforts increasingly difficult.
For someone who had set out to share moments of happiness with his family, the experience became a nightmare. His attempts to save his loved ones could not prevent the devastating outcome.
As the situation eased, the affected individuals were taken to Kolkata Medical College Hospital with the help of others. Doctors declared Pyali, Sanatan’s elder sister and his nephew Sandeep dead.
In a single devastating episode, Sanatan lost three people who were an integral part of his life. The journey that began with festive excitement ended in grief that he may carry for the rest of his life.
The Festival Returns, but the Pain Remains
Durga Puja will return next year. Pandals will be decorated, streets will glow with lights, and families will gather to celebrate. But for Sanatan, the memory of Chorabagan will forever be associated with the loss of his wife, sister and nephew.
Time may help people resume their daily lives, but it cannot easily fill the void left by the sudden loss of loved ones. The memories of shared moments and family bonds remain, even as their absence becomes a permanent part of life.
Safety Must Be as Important as Celebration
The tragedy raises important questions about crowd management and emergency preparedness at large religious and cultural gatherings. Adequate entry and exit routes, continuous crowd monitoring, trained personnel, immediate medical assistance and effective coordination among organisers and authorities are essential.
However, responsibility for this particular incident should not be assigned without a thorough and impartial investigation. Establishing the circumstances of the tragedy is necessary to identify shortcomings and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Can Compensation Ease the Pain?
Financial assistance can help affected families cope with practical difficulties, but no amount of money can bring back a lost loved one. Sanatan cannot recover his wife, regain his sister’s affection or restore his nephew’s future.
Alongside appropriate assistance, the family deserves sensitivity, support and a transparent examination of the incident.
The Chorabagan tragedy is a reminder that the success of a festival cannot be measured by the grandeur of its pandals or the number of visitors alone. Public safety must remain equally important.
Ultimately, the true success of any festival lies not only in its celebrations, but in ensuring that everyone who leaves home to enjoy it returns safely to their loved ones.