Kolkata, September 8: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a series of new restrictions and guidelines for this year’s Durga Puja celebrations, bringing significant changes to how the festival will be organised across the state. The announcements were made on Monday at a coordination meeting with Durga Puja committees in Kolkata.
One of the major decisions is a complete ban on DJ music during Durga Puja, including immersion processions. The government said the move is aimed at maintaining discipline and preventing disturbances during the celebrations.
The state will also observe a complete dry day on Maha Ashtami. All liquor shops and bars across West Bengal will remain closed on the day, with no sale of alcohol permitted. This is being introduced as one of the key measures to keep the focus on the religious observance of the festival.
Another major change concerns the traditional post-Puja carnival on Kolkata’s Red Road. The government has decided not to hold the Durga Puja carnival this year, ending an event that had become a prominent part of the city’s festive calendar during the previous administration.
The Chief Minister also said Puja committees will not be allowed to inaugurate their pandals before Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of Devi Paksha. Organisers have been asked to ensure that their idols, pandals, themes and decorations do not hurt religious sentiments or undermine Bengal’s cultural traditions. Theme-based Pujas, however, will continue to be allowed.
Traffic and public movement will also be given greater priority. Puja-related activities will not be permitted to block national highways or 13 major arterial roads in Kolkata. The government has also said cranes will not be used to lift idols during immersion, citing concerns over the sanctity of the idols.
On financial assistance, the government will provide ₹1 lakh to Puja committees that need support, while Adhikari urged large-budget and financially capable organisers to avoid taking government grants. Electricity charges for Puja committees will be waived, and fees for mandatory fire-safety clearances will also be waived.
The government is also planning a major cultural programme at Eden Gardens on Mahalaya, featuring cultural performances, drone shows, fireworks and roadshows.
The new measures mark a significant change in the organisation of Durga Puja under the BJP-led state government, with the administration stressing religious traditions, public safety, traffic management and disciplined celebrations.
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