Bengal tightens Durga Puja rules: No liquor on Ashtami, no DJs at immersion processions

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced a series of new guidelines for this year's Durga Puja celebrations, including a complete ban on liquor sales on Maha Ashtami and a prohibition on DJ music during idol immersion processions. The BJP-led state government has also decided to discontinue the post-Puja carnival on Kolkata's Red Road, an event introduced during the tenure of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Alongside the new restrictions, the government announced financial and logistical support for Puja committees, including a grant of Rs 1 lakh, free electricity and a waiver of fees for mandatory fire safety licences. No liquor sales on Maha Ashtami Adhikari announced that all liquor shops and bars across the state would remain closed on Maha Ashtami, a day considered particularly significant during the Durga Puja festivities. 'On the day of Maha Ashtami, when we pay floral tributes to the Goddess in this state, all liquor shops shall be closed, including bars. Liquor cannot be sold on the day of Ashtami,' Adhikari said. The decision marks a departure from previous administrations, which did not impose a statewide ban on liquor sales specifically for Maha Ashtami. Bengal scraps Durga Puja carnival In another major decision, the government has discontinued the Durga Puja carnival traditionally held on Kolkata's Red Road after the festival. The carnival featured a grand procession of selected Durga idols and cultural performances before immersion. It became a prominent feature of Kolkata's Durga Puja celebrations during Mamata Banerjee's tenure and attracted politicians, celebrities and large crowds. The event had also faced criticism in previous years, particularly amid debates over government priorities during periods of flooding and other crises. No DJ music during immersion processions Adhikari also announced restrictions on music during idol immersion processions, saying DJ music would not be permitted. He further urged Puja committees to complete idol immersions by the day before Lakshmi Puja, which falls on October 25 this year. 'I would urge everyone to complete the idol immersion by the day before,' the Chief Minister said. Warning over idols, pandals and themes The Chief Minister also appealed to Puja committees to ensure that their idols, pandals, themes and decorations do not hurt religious sentiments or distort religious and cultural traditions. 'Regarding idols, pandals, themes, or decorations—please do nothing that compromises religious or cultural heritage and religious sentiments,' he said. The appeal comes amid the growing popularity of elaborate theme-based Durga Pujas across Bengal, particularly in Kolkata, where organisers frequently experiment with artistic concepts and installations. Rs 1 lakh grant, free power for puja committees The state government will provide a grant of Rs 1 lakh to Durga Puja committees, while electricity for the festivities will be provided free of charge. CESC has also confirmed that it will supply electricity without charge, according to the announcement. The government will additionally waive the fee for mandatory fire safety licences required by Puja organisers. However, Adhikari urged affluent Puja committees with large budgets to refrain from accepting government assistance if they can independently fund their celebrations. 'I urge those with the means and large budgets not to accept government assistance for the Puja,' he said. Adhikari raises 'Chanda' funding issue The Chief Minister also highlighted the traditional practice of collecting voluntary contributions, or 'chanda', to fund community Durga Pujas. He said community celebrations had historically relied on contributions from local residents but alleged that some Puja organisers had increasingly become dependent on government assistance. Adhikari said organising a decent Durga Puja could cost at least Rs 10 lakh and suggested that financially capable committees raise additional funds through advertisements rather than relying on government grants.