Busy run-up to Poila Baishakh, scorching heat and other news from Kolkata in pictures

(Top) Staying hydrated seems to be the only way to tackle the scorching heat for this traffic policeman near Dorina crossing at Esplanade on Saturday afternoon and (above) a young woman uses an umbrella at BB Ganguly Street while passing newly installed statues

Arnab Dutta and Suvendu Das

With barely seven days to go for Poila Baishakh (Bengali New Year’s Day) an artist gives finishing touches to Lakshmi idols at Kumartuli on Saturday and (right) a shopkeeper at BB Ganguly Street checks newly arrived ‘haal khatas’ used for bookkeeping

Arnab Dutta and Suvendu Das

The Assam women’s blind football team, comprising players from Moran Blind School in Dibrugarh, made their debut at the North East Zonal Tournament in Mizoram. Despite the boys’ team missing the final, the girls brought home the runners-up trophy, medals and Rs 15,000 cash prize. Team captain Priyanka Dey (on extreme right in top left-hand picture) was named Emerging Player of the Tournament, showcasing the team’s talent and determination. Thespian Victor Banerjee runs the Moran Blind School

My Kolkata

Writer, child-rights activist and actor Nandana Dev Sen uploaded this photograph early on Saturday with the caption: ‘Cha chai na coffee? A cuppa with Baba over #adda is a cherished ritual! ♥️ Such precious moments, filled with argument & #laughter #bangali #familytime #FridayFun #AmartyaSen #FamilyFun #fatherdaughter #FridayVibes #bangla #bengali #CherishedMoments #economics #nobelprize #TGIF’

nandanadevsen / Instagram