KMC Bans Ferris Wheels During Durga Puja: As Kolkata gears up for its biggest cultural and religious spectacle—Durga Puja—the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has announced a crucial restriction: Ferris wheels will not be allowed in parks or pandal grounds during the festival. The decision, though disappointing for some, stems from repeated safety lapses and past accidents that highlighted the dangers of installing large rides in temporary setups.
The KMC has made it clear that non-compliance could lead to FIRs and legal action against organisers, reinforcing the seriousness of the directive.
The Backdrop: Why Ferris Wheels Became a Risk
Ferris wheels have long been a nostalgic attraction during Durga Puja, adding carnival-like cheer, especially for children. However, history has shown that they can also become a source of tragedy when safety protocols are not strictly followed.
- In 2008, at Deshapriya Park, a woman fell from a Ferris wheel during Puja celebrations, prompting the first ban in 2009.
- Later, selective permissions were granted under strict conditions, but enforcement was inconsistent.
- In July 2022, another serious incident occurred when a woman named Priyanka Shaw fell from a Ferris wheel at Entally’s Ramlila Maidan, reigniting safety concerns.
These repeated accidents forced KMC to take a zero-tolerance stance this year, reaffirming that temporary amusement rides pose structural and operational risks in festival conditions.
Durga Puja: Beyond Rituals to a Global Celebration
Durga Puja is not just a religious event; it is the soul of Kolkata. It combines spirituality, art, creativity, and community life in ways that few festivals in the world can match.
- UNESCO has recognised Kolkata’s Durga Puja as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underlining its cultural significance (UNESCO).
- Economically, Durga Puja is a juggernaut. A British Council study in 2019 estimated the festival’s creative economy at over ₹32,000 crore, impacting artisans, designers, light-makers, food vendors, and local transport systems.
This dual identity—as a sacred religious event and a socio-cultural carnival—makes safety even more important. In a festival that attracts millions of pandal-hoppers, even one accident can ripple through the community, tarnishing the joyous atmosphere.
KMC Bans Ferris Wheels During Durga Puja: Balancing Joy and Safety
KMC’s prohibition of Ferris wheels reflects a delicate balancing act. The civic body understands the emotional value these rides hold, but also recognizes that public safety cannot be compromised.
Beyond Ferris wheels, similar safety advisories have been issued by Kolkata Police for large-scale pujas. At Santosh Mitra Square, for example, organisers have been instructed to:
- Ensure smooth pedestrian flow
- Install adequate CCTV surveillance
- Increase volunteer deployment
- Avoid risky crowd-pulling attractions such as laser shows or giant rides
This marks a shift in the city’s festival management strategy—from spectacle-driven attractions to controlled, safer crowd experiences.
The Cultural Place of Ferris Wheels
For many Kolkatans, Ferris wheels are tied to nostalgia—memories of childhood Puja nights, colourful lights spinning in the sky, and the thrill of carnival rides near pandals. Their sudden disappearance from Puja grounds may feel like a cultural void.
Interestingly, Kolkata once dreamt of having its own “Kolkata Eye”, a permanent giant Ferris wheel inspired by the London Eye (Wikipedia). While the plan was shelved, it reflected how strongly Ferris wheels were associated with the city’s imagination of fun and modernity.
But unlike a permanent structure with international safety benchmarks, temporary rides in crowded festival grounds lack the same assurances. That gap between nostalgia and risk is what fuels today’s ban.
What This Means for Organisers and Citizens
- Organisers must now explore safer alternatives to keep pandal grounds lively—such as immersive lighting, street performances, or interactive digital experiences.
- Citizens are being encouraged to understand the rationale, focusing on the joy of Puja without unnecessary risks.
- Authorities are tasked with enforcement, ensuring that no rogue operator installs a Ferris wheel in defiance of the order.
The underlying message is clear: celebration must not come at the cost of life and safety.
Durga Puja’s Constant Evolution
Durga Puja has always evolved with time. From its origins as a “zamindari” festival organised by wealthy families in the 18th century, it became the “Barowari” or public puja movement, eventually transforming into the dazzling citywide carnival we see today.
The banning of Ferris wheels may feel like a setback, but it is simply another step in this continuous adaptation. Festivals survive by balancing tradition with modern needs, and safety is now an unavoidable part of that equation.
In Conclusion
The KMC’s ban on Ferris wheels during Durga Puja is not a dampener—it is a protective measure rooted in hard lessons from the past. As Kolkata prepares to welcome Goddess Durga with devotion, artistry, and grandeur, the move ensures that the celebrations remain joyous and secure.
After all, the essence of Durga Puja lies not in risky carnival rides, but in art, community, faith, and resilience—values that continue to make Kolkata’s Puja one of the greatest festivals in the world.
🔗 For further context:
- Durga Puja in Kolkata – UNESCO Recognition
- Durga Puja in Kolkata – Cultural and Economic Significance
- Kolkata Eye Proposal – Symbolism of Ferris Wheels
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