Archive · 7 Sep 2026
West Bengal Sets Ashtami Liquor Ban, Curbs Immersion DJs
West Bengal announced several rules for the Durga Puja festival.
Alcohol will not be sold in shops or served in bars on Maha Ashtami.
DJs will not be allowed during processions to immerse Durga idols.
The government also cancelled a carnival held after the festival.
Puja committees will get electricity for free.
They may also receive Rs.
1 lakh, but they can refuse it.
Large celebrations will be held at Eden Gardens and in other places.
Officials also asked organizers not to block roads unnecessarily and to finish immersions before Lakshmi Puja.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a complete liquor-sales ban for Maha Ashtami, including at bars.
DJ music will be prohibited during Durga idol immersion processions.
The government cancelled the post-Puja carnival introduced by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Puja committees will receive free electricity and Rs. 1 lakh grants, though committees may decline the funds.
The government announced Mahalaya celebrations at Eden Gardens and urged committees to avoid unnecessary road and highway blockades.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the state government and Durga Puja committees.
- What
- The government announced a Maha Ashtami liquor ban, DJ restrictions during immersions, free electricity and Rs. 1 lakh grants for puja committees, along with festival events.
- When
- The announcements were made on Monday, identified in the accompanying post as September 7, 2026; the restrictions apply during Durga Puja.
- Where
- West Bengal, including Kolkata’s Eden Gardens and immersion-procession routes.
- Why
- The measures were announced as part of arrangements and restrictions for the Durga Puja festival.
- Liquor restriction
- Complete ban on liquor sales at shops and service at bars on Maha Ashtami.
- Immersion restriction
- DJ music is prohibited during Durga idol immersion processions.
- Puja grant
- Puja committees will be offered Rs. 1 lakh, but may decline it.
- Electricity
- Electricity will be provided free to puja committees.
- Post-Puja carnival
- The carnival introduced by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was cancelled.
- Mahalaya event
- A four-hour drone and fireworks show is planned at Eden Gardens.
- Immersion timing
- The government urged committees to complete immersions before Lakshmi Puja.