Kolkata: Torrential overnight rain brought Kolkata to a standstill on Tuesday, leaving the city waterlogged just days ahead of the Durga Puja festivities.

Several Durga Puja pandals were submerged, sparking concerns for organisers and devotees as the festival preparations were severely hampered.

Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Durga Puja, which begins on September 28, is one of Bengal’s most significant festivals, celebrated over five days — Maha Sashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijaya Dashami — symbolising the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.

The heavy downpour claimed at least seven lives due to electrocution caused by open or unattended power lines. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the situation “unprecedented,” blaming poor dredging of the Farakka Barrage and lapses by private power utility CESC. “I have never seen rain like this. I feel terrible for those who lost their lives. Their families must be given jobs by CESC. The state government will also provide all possible assistance,” she said in a televised address.

The rains caused massive traffic snarls across key intersections including Park Circus, Gariahat, Behala, and College Street, with long jams reported on EM Bypass, AJC Bose Road, and Central Avenue. Several smaller lanes in south and central Kolkata were completely submerged, cutting off access for hours.

Public transport was also severely affected, with suspension of Metro services on the Blue Line between Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Rabindra Sarobar stations due to significant waterlogging. Several flights were cancelled from Kolkata Airport as visibility and runway conditions deteriorated.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more heavy rain for the coming days, attributing the showers to a low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal that could continue to affect several districts of south Bengal.