2 hrs ago
Suvendu Adhikari Announces New Durga Puja Rules for Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced new plans for the 2026 Durga Puja celebrations.
A large event at Eden Gardens on Mahalaya will replace the Red Road immersion carnival.
The event is expected to include drone shows and fireworks.
People will not be allowed to buy or drink alcohol at shops and bars on Ashtami.
Puja committees are promised free electricity instead of a partial discount.
Some committees can also receive a government grant of ₹1 lakh.
Puja inaugurations must happen after Mahalaya, and all immersions must finish by October 24.
DJ music will not be allowed during the celebrations or immersions.
A Mahalaya spectacle at Eden Gardens will replace Kolkata’s Red Road immersion carnival in 2026.
Maha Ashtami will be a dry day, with liquor shops and bars prohibited from serving alcohol.
Electricity supplied to Durga Puja committees will reportedly receive a 100% waiver, replacing the earlier 80% rebate.
The government will provide a ₹1 lakh grant to eligible committees, while financially self-sufficient organisers are urged to decline it.
Puja inaugurations must occur after Mahalaya, immersions must end by October 24, and DJ music will be banned during Puja and immersion.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the state government, and Durga Puja organisers.
- What
- The government announced rules and financial support for the 2026 Durga Puja celebrations.
- Where
- West Bengal, including an announced event at Eden Gardens and restrictions on 13 specified roads.
- When
- The announcements concern the 2026 celebrations; Mahalaya will host the opening event, and immersions must finish by October 24.
- Why
- The government said the measures would organise the celebrations, manage traffic and immersions, and support Puja committees.
Key facts
- Mahalaya event
- A four-hour spectacle at Eden Gardens with drone shows and fireworks will replace the Red Road immersion carnival.
- Dry day
- Liquor shops and bars must remain closed on Maha Ashtami.
- Electricity waiver
- Puja committees are promised a 100% electricity waiver, compared with the previous 80% rebate.
- Government grant
- Eligible committees can receive ₹1 lakh before Sashthi; financially self-sufficient organisers are encouraged to decline it.
- Inauguration timing
- Puja inaugurations must be scheduled after Mahalaya, when Matri Paksha begins.
- Immersion deadline
- All immersions should be completed by October 24, before Kojagari Lakshmi Puja on October 25.
- Other restrictions
- DJ music is banned during Puja and immersion, and 13 roads cannot be blocked for celebrations.
Quotes
Suvendu Adhikari
Chief minister of West Bengal who announced the 2026 Durga Puja arrangements.
“For the past few years, a purported carnival has been imposed on us. That will not happen this year. The tourism and information and cultural affairs departments will jointly organise the biggest event at Eden Gardens on Mahalaya. The four-hour programme will mark the inauguration of Durga Puja. It will feature drone shows and fireworks. Through thousands of drones in the sky, you will be able to witness the arrival of the Goddess.”
telegraphindia.com
“I met WBSEDCL officials before coming here. They promised free electricity. The principal secretary of the power department has spoken to CESC. The company has promised a 100% waiver, not the 80% rebate it gave earlier.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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