Bengal CM asks big Durga Pujas to skip state aid, sets new festival rules

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday urged well-funded community Durga Puja organisers to voluntarily decline financial assistance from the state government, even as he announced a ₹1 lakh grant for committees that require the support.

Speaking at a gathering of puja representatives, Mr. Adhikari said he did not wish to misuse the powers of his office. He appealed to those capable of organising the festival independently to refrain from taking the money, while assuring that committees unable to manage without the grant would receive ₹1 lakh.

The cash support to community pujas was introduced by the previous Trinamool Congress government in 2018. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had progressively raised the amount each year, taking it to ₹1.10 lakh by 2025. The scheme costs the state exchequer nearly ₹500 crore annually. Mr. Adhikari, who had criticised the initiative while in opposition, said the escalating dole had created dependency and failed to yield electoral dividends.

The Chief Minister also outlined several restrictions for the upcoming festival. No puja inauguration will be permitted before Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of the auspicious Devi Paksha period. The state will not organise the Durga Puja carnival that was held under the previous regime. Instead, a government-organised programme is planned at Eden Gardens on Mahalaya, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to attend.

Immersion of idols must be completed before Lakshmi puja. The use of cranes at ghats for idol immersion will not be allowed, and puja processions cannot block national highways. DJs will be prohibited during the celebrations, and all liquor shops and bars across the state will remain shut on Ashtami.

Mr. Adhikari said the government has held discussions with electricity authorities, including the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation, to ensure free power supply to puja committees during the festival. Additional cultural programmes will be organised in Digha and six other cities as part of the celebrations.