Sourav Ganguly Prays on Maha Ashtami, Urges Caution After Tragic Stampede
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly offers Maha Ashtami prayers in Behala and urges caution following the tragic Chorbagan stampede.
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly joined the festive fervor of Durga Puja in Kolkata, offering prayers to Goddess Durga and participating in the Maha Ashtami Aarti in Behala on Monday. While the atmosphere was one of devotion and celebration, the legendary cricketer used the occasion to remind the public about the critical importance of safety during the crowded festivities.
Devotion in Behala
For Ganguly, the visit to the Behala puja was a reflection of the deep cultural roots Bengalis share with the festival. Speaking with reporters after the rituals, he highlighted the spiritual weight of the day, noting that Maha Ashtami is one of the most significant occasions for the community.
"It's the time of Durga Puja, Maha Ashtami. It is a big puja occasion for the Bengalis, for us. So today is the day of Ashtami; the puja has just happened," Ganguly remarked.
A Somber Reminder: The Chorbagan Tragedy
Despite the joy of the celebrations, a cloud of grief hung over the city following a horrific incident on Saturday. A stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal resulted in the deaths of 19 people and left at least 25 others injured. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Kolkata, turning the festive mood into one of caution.
Ganguly expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, describing the loss of life as "very tragic" and "very unfortunate." He urged citizens to be mindful of the immense crowds that gather at various pandals across the city.
Call for Public Vigilance
Addressing the media, the former cricketer emphasized that while visiting the idols is a cherished tradition, safety must come first. He advised visitors to navigate the crowded streets and pandals with extreme care to ensure they return home safely to their families.
"You have to travel carefully; it's so crowded. Durga Puja, so many pandals and so many people. So you have to travel carefully; you have to go see the idols and come back carefully," he urged.
Government Response and Security Measures
In the wake of the Chorbagan disaster, the West Bengal government has stepped up security and monitoring. West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh stated on Sunday that the administration is working tirelessly to prevent any further mishaps.
According to Ghosh, the Chief Minister, along with other ministers and senior police officials, is maintaining a vigilant watch over religious observances. The government's primary goal is to ensure that the remainder of the festivities proceed without any recurrence of the tragedy witnessed at Chorbagan.