Kolkata, Oct 14 Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal are likely to be rain-free, with the IMD on Wednesday forecasting dry weather across most parts of the state from Saptami, the first day of the festival, on October 18.
However, light to moderate rain may occur over the metropolis and other districts of south Bengal until October 17 during the pre-puja period.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), dry weather will prevail over most parts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, from October 18 to 22.
Light rain or thundershowers may occur over Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri in north Bengal on October 18, after which the weather will be dry in the region.
With many big community pandals already opening up to visitors in Kolkata and its vicinity, the possibility of rain till October 17 may affect the revelry during the pre-puja days.
People of all ages throng Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata and other places in the state during the festive days.
(PTI News)
