News Desk: West Bengal’s Durga Puja celebrations have taken on a different character this year following the BJP’s victory in the state assembly elections in May 2026. From a grand Mahalaya celebration to a renewed emphasis on traditional rituals, the festival has seen several changes under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s government.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, the number of community Durga Pujas across Bengal has also increased significantly, rising from around 45,000 in 2025 to approximately 58,000 this year.
One of the biggest changes has been the decision to hold Durga Puja pandal inaugurations only after Mahalaya. During former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s tenure, several prominent pandals were inaugurated before Mahalaya. The new government has placed greater emphasis on following traditional religious practices.
Mahalaya was marked by a large cultural programme organised by the state’s information and cultural affairs department and tourism department at Netaji Indoor Stadium. The event featured a drone show and fireworks. The government is also planning a major Bijoya Sammilani after the festival, with food stalls representing different districts of the state.
Greater Focus on Traditional Idols
Traditional depictions of Goddess Durga have received renewed attention this year. The BJP government and several Hindu organisations appealed to puja committees to avoid themes and artistic interpretations that could hurt religious sentiments.
The impact has been particularly visible in Kumartuli, Kolkata’s famous idol-making hub. The number of theme-based Durga idols reportedly fell from around 150 last year to fewer than 10 this year. Most idols have returned to traditional designs that follow established religious conventions regarding the goddess’s appearance, posture, weapons and facial expressions.
Changes have also been made to immersion arrangements, with trolleys and conveyor belts replacing cranes in some locations to help preserve the idols.
Durga Puja Carnival Cancelled
Another major change is the cancellation of the Durga Puja carnival on Red Road, an event introduced by the previous government in 2016. The carnival featured prominent puja committees displaying their idols alongside cultural performances.
The new government has also taken a different approach to financial assistance for puja organisers. Rather than ending the grants immediately, the chief minister reportedly requested major Kolkata puja committees not to apply for the assistance, while allowing smaller organisers to seek support.
Controversy Over Festive Arrangements
The celebrations have not been without criticism. Rainbow-coloured paint applied to some flyovers was washed away by rain, prompting authorities to remove or cover the affected surfaces as a precaution.
Meanwhile, a proposed Dussehra celebration in Bidhannagar has sparked a political controversy after the Trinamool Congress criticised a promotional poster for featuring prominent personalities while omitting Goddess Durga and her family.
With traditional rituals taking centre stage and familiar government-sponsored events changing, Bengal’s Durga Puja reflects a significant shift in the state’s cultural and political landscape this year.
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