VZCZCXRO2978
RR RUEHAST RUEHBI RUEHLH RUEHPW
DE RUEHCI #0288 2840815
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 100815Z OCT 08
FM AMCONSUL KOLKATA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2161
INFO RHEHAAA/NSC WASHINGTON DC
RHHJJPI/PACOM IDHS HONOLULU HI
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEHCI/AMCONSUL KOLKATA 2640
RUCNCLS/ALL SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS KOLKATA 000288 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PTER IN
SUBJECT: KOLKATA CELEBRATES DURGA PUJA 
 
REF: KOLKATA 286 
 
¶1. (SBU) Summary: Despite increased security measures stemming 
from a fear of terrorist attacks due to the recent wave of 
bombings throughout India, Kolkata celebrated the Durga Puja 
without incident.  We observed no significant decrease in 
turnout compared to last year's festival and Kolkata's security 
officials were adequately prepared for the festival, having 
deployed the forces needed to control and monitor the vast 
number of attendees.  End Summary. 
 
Revelry Amidst a Backdrop of Security 
 
¶2. (SBU) Bengalis celebrated the Durga Puja amidst the backdrop 
of heightened security.  The festival is the biggest Hindu 
religious event of the year in West Bengal and Tripura.  On 1 
October, five days before the start of the Durga Puja, 
explosions in Tripura (Reftel A) coupled with the recent 
bombings throughout India raised fears of a possible attack in 
Kolkata during the festival.  On several outings throughout 
Kolkata, Poloff observed a heightened security presence at metro 
stations, major intersections, and at larger pandals where 
crowds had congregated.  Traffic police were located at major 
intersections and pandals throughout the city managing vehicular 
and pedestrian traffic.  Furthermore, CCTVs were installed 
within or near many pandals.  Several festival goers told Poloff 
that despite the increased security, turnout was not diminished 
compared to last year's Durga Puja. 
 
¶3. (SBU) Leading up to the festival, press reporting focused 
primarily on what the police forces were doing to provide 
security for the religious ceremonies and published numerous 
safety tips, emergency contact numbers, and warnings.  Security 
officials - via the media and text messages - asked festival 
goers to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious. 
However, once the Durga Puja began, coverage focused almost 
exclusively on how Kolkatans were celebrating the pujas.  We are 
aware of no security incidents during the festival. 
 
Safety, Eco-Friendliness Highlighted 
 
¶4. (SBU) Pandal organizers and sponsors had to adhere to certain 
safety rules and obtain necessary permits to erect pandals. 
Poloff obtained a copy of the permits needed to erect pandals 
which included a list of twenty-nine conditions.  These included 
how to properly dispose of trash, the placement of kiosks and 
urinals relative to the pandals, the prohibition of collecting 
entrance fees, and the right to allow inspections by Kolkata 
health officials.  The vast majority of organizers appeared to 
observe the rules.  However, many pandals situated in small 
neighborhoods were partially built on streets that hampered the 
flow of traffic. 
 
¶5. (U) Many of the pandals observed were constructed out of 
recycled or eco-friendly materials such as straw, clay, bamboo, 
and jute.  While most pandals retained their traditional shapes, 
others resembled south Indian temples, lions, and the Tata Nano. 
 Pandals that were built on fairgrounds or other large plots of 
land usually included Ferris wheels, food stall operators, 
sponsor kiosks and other amusement park-type fair.  Poloff 
observed that most types of these pandals were attended by 
families, teenagers, and young children. 
 
Comment 
 
¶6. (SBU) The increase in security measures and a fear of 
possible terrorist attacks did not hamper the festive atmosphere 
or turnout.  It appears that Kolkata's security officials were 
adequately prepared for the festival and deployed the necessary 
amount of personnel needed to control and monitor the vast 
number of attendees. 
 
PAYNE