West Bengal CM Says No Durga Puja Carnival This Year, Promises Hassle-Free Celebration

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that the state will not organise the traditional Durga Puja carnival in 2026, while assuring puja organisers and residents of a smooth and hassle-free festive season.

The announcement was made during a meeting with Durga Puja committees at the Milan Mela Prangan in Kolkata, where the state government outlined a series of guidelines for this year's celebrations.

No Durga Puja Carnival This Year

One of the key announcements was the decision to not hold the Durga Puja carnival this year. The grand carnival, traditionally organised after the puja festivities and featuring selected puja committees, has been a major attraction in Kolkata.

The carnival was introduced during the previous government and had become an important feature of the city's post-Puja celebrations. The West Bengal Tourism Department also describes the immersion carnival as part of the state's Durga Puja festivities.

The decision marks a departure from the established format and is expected to draw considerable attention among puja organisers and cultural observers.

Government Promises Hassle-Free Celebrations

The Chief Minister said the administration would focus on ensuring that people can celebrate Durga Puja without unnecessary difficulties.

The government has introduced an easier permission process for puja committees, with organisers being assured that they would not have to approach the courts for permissions as had allegedly happened in previous years. A dedicated portal has been introduced to simplify the process.

The administration has also issued instructions aimed at maintaining traffic movement and ensuring that important roads remain accessible during the festival.

Restrictions on DJ Music

The government has announced a ban on DJ music during both Durga Puja celebrations and idol immersion processions.

The restriction is aimed at reducing noise and ensuring smoother movement of immersion processions. The administration has also emphasised the need for orderly celebrations and adherence to the prescribed guidelines.

The decision is expected to affect immersion processions in several parts of the state, particularly in areas where large gatherings traditionally accompany the movement of idols.

Liquor Sales to Remain Closed on Maha Ashtami

Another major announcement concerns liquor sales on Maha Ashtami.

The state government has decided that liquor shops and bars will remain closed on Ashtami, making the day a dry day across West Bengal. The move has been presented as part of the government's broader measures for maintaining order during the festival.

The administration has also issued instructions relating to the timing of idol immersion, with the process required to be completed before Lakshmi Puja.

Traffic and Public Safety Measures

The government has stressed that major roads, including important national highways, should not be blocked because of Puja arrangements.

Authorities have also been instructed to ensure that key roads in Kolkata remain open to facilitate regular traffic and emergency movement during the festival.

The measures are aimed at preventing the traffic congestion that often accompanies large-scale Puja celebrations and immersion processions.

Mega Mahalaya Celebration Planned

The state government is also preparing a major Mahalaya programme at Eden Gardens on October 10.

The event is expected to showcase Bengal's cultural heritage and the traditions associated with Durga Puja. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to be invited to the programme.

The planned event is expected to provide a major cultural platform ahead of the main Durga Puja festivities.

Focus on Traditional Celebrations

The government's latest guidelines indicate an emphasis on traditional and regulated celebrations while attempting to minimise disruption to everyday life.

With Durga Puja being one of West Bengal's most important festivals, the administration faces the challenge of balancing large public gatherings with traffic management, public safety and law-and-order requirements.

The state government's approach this year includes easier permissions for organisers, restrictions on DJ music, a dry day on Maha Ashtami and regulated immersion arrangements.

As preparations gather pace, puja committees across West Bengal are expected to begin finalising their arrangements in accordance with the new guidelines.