West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a complete ban on liquor sales across the state on Maha Ashtami during this year’s Durga Puja celebrations. All liquor shops and bars will remain closed on the day, which holds special religious significance for devotees of Goddess Durga.
The state government also issued guidelines for Puja committees, urging organisers to ensure that idols, pandals and themes do not hurt religious sentiments or compromise cultural traditions.
Please note that DJ music will not be permitted during idol immersion processions, and organisers have been asked to complete immersions before Lakshmi Puja.
The government will provide financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to eligible Durga Puja committees, along with free electricity and a waiver of fees for mandatory fire safety licences. Large and financially strong committees have been encouraged not to seek government assistance.
In another major decision, the government announced that the Durga Puja carnival held in Kolkata after the festival will not take place this year. The carnival, introduced during Mamata Banerjee’s tenure, had become a prominent feature of the city’s post-Puja celebrations.