Security has been intensified at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple for the upcoming Kali Puja on Thursday, temple officials confirmed. Approximately 100 guards will be stationed at strategic locations, including the temple entry points, courtyard, the Panchavati garden, and along the banks of the Hooghly River.
The ritual is scheduled to begin at 10.35 p.m. with a shot being fired into the air, followed by a traditional procession towards the Hooghly for the ritual bathing of the narayan shila. This ceremonial start, rooted in a century-old tradition, will continue with priests sprinkling coconut water on the narayan shila, temple officials stated. The main puja will culminate around 3:30 a.m. with a homa yajna, followed by pushpanjali.
By 4 a.m., all rituals, including the offering of bhog to the goddess, are expected to conclude. It was informed by Kushal Chowdhury, secretary of the Kali Temple and Debottar Trust, that the temple will briefly close and reopen at 4:15 a.m. for the mangal aarti. Earlier on Thursday, doors will be open to devotees from 5:15 a.m.
Two control rooms will be operational throughout the event, staffed by police officers and personnel from fire and emergency services, along with other essential departments, a senior officer stated.