West Bengal government bans liquor sales on Maha Ashtami, DJ music during Durga Puja | India News
NEW DELHI: West Bengal has announced a series of restrictions for this year’s Durga Puja, including a one-day ban on liquor sales, a complete prohibition on DJ music and curbs on the use of major roads for Puja-related activities.Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari made the announcements on Monday at a coordination meeting with Durga Puja committees at Milan Mela Prangan. The measures are aimed at ensuring that celebrations remain peaceful and orderly.All liquor shops and bars across the state will remain closed on Maha Ashtami, when devotees offer anjali to Goddess Durga.“On the day when devotees offer anjali (Maha Ashtami) to Maa Durga, all liquor shops in the state will remain closed. There will be no liquor available in bars either,” he said.The decision comes despite liquor traditionally seeing strong demand during the Puja period.
DJ music banned, themes to face scrutiny
The government will also prohibit DJ music during the celebrations and immersion processions.Adhikari asked Puja committees to ensure that their idols, pandals and themes do not offend religious sentiments or go against Sanatan traditions. Theme-based Pujas will still be allowed, but organisers have been asked to be more careful while choosing their concepts.The administration has also placed restrictions on roads being used for Puja activities. National highways cannot be blocked for organising Pujas, while 13 major roads in Kolkata, including Red Road and Cathedral Road, have been identified as areas where such activities will not be allowed.Puja inaugurations will also not be permitted before the start of Devi Paksha.Devi Paksha refers to the bright lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Ashwin associated with the worship and invocation of Goddess Durga. The previous Trinamool Congress government under Mamata Banerjee had faced allegations over inaugurations being held before Devi Paksha began.
Immersion deadline and special arrangements
Adhikari said organisers would have to complete idol immersions within the stipulated period before Lakshmi Puja.“There will be no forcing or threatening anyone to change the immersion date,” he said.The state has also planned cultural programmes in six major cities over two days, along with special events at six designated immersion ghats.Special arrangements will be made to help persons with disabilities, residents of old-age homes and people staying in ashrams visit Puja venues.The government will also set up an impartial jury for the Sharad Samman awards. Adhikari said the jury members would be chosen for their knowledge of the traditional, ritual and cultural aspects of Durga Puja. The Sharad Samman awards recognise Durga Puja organisers for creative and artistic excellence.
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The announcements come as West Bengal prepares for its first Durga Puja under the BJP government. The administration is seeking to manage the large-scale celebrations while imposing restrictions intended to maintain public order and protect religious and cultural sentiments.
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