No DJs, no liquor on Ashtami: CM Suvendu Adhikari unveils new Durga Puja rules in West Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a new set of rules for Durga Puja 2026, including a complete ban on DJ music, closure of liquor shops and bars on Maha Ashtami, and restrictions on blocking major roads.
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Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal will look different this year, with the state government announcing several new rules aimed at keeping the festival more traditional, organised and peaceful.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the measures on September 7, after a meeting with Durga Puja organisers. The new guidelines cover DJs, liquor sales, pandal themes, road use, murti visarjan and government support for puja committees.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announces new Durga Puja rules, (Image: Mint)
No DJs during puja and visarjan
One of the biggest changes is a complete ban on DJ music during Durga Puja celebrations and immersion processions.
The government said the move is intended to maintain discipline and preserve the character of the festival. The decision could significantly change the atmosphere of large immersion processions, where DJs and loud music have become common in recent years.
All organizers are instructed to ensure that idols, pandal themes, and decorations strictly respect the rich religious traditions and cultural heritage of Durga Puja. Any practice causing offense or harm to these traditions is strictly prohibited.
— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) September 7, 2026
Furthermore, to maintain the… pic.twitter.com/WRSJGVC2Oy
The government has also said that cranes will not be used to lift murtis during immersion, with the chief minister saying the practice affects the sanctity of the idols and religious sentiments.
Liquor shops and bars to shut on Maha Ashtami
Another major decision is the complete closure of liquor shops and bars across West Bengal on Maha Ashtami.
This year's Maha Ashtami falls on October 19. No liquor will be sold or served at bars on that day, according to the government's announcement.
No permission to block national highways
The government has also tightened rules on the use of public roads during the festival.
National highways cannot be blocked for Durga Puja activities, while 13 major roads in Kolkata, including Red Road and Cathedral Road, have been identified where such activities will not be permitted.
The aim is to ensure that large gatherings and puja-related events do not create serious problems for commuters and emergency services.
Rs 1 lakh grant for smaller puja committees
The government will continue providing financial assistance of up to Rs 1 lakh, but the support will focus on smaller puja committees.
Adhikari has also appealed to larger and financially stronger organisers to give up government grants if they can fund their celebrations themselves.
Along with the grant, puja committees will receive relief on some other expenses. The government has announced free electricity and a waiver of fees for fire-safety clearances for puja organisers.
Pandal themes must respect religious sentiments
The chief minister has also asked organisers to be careful while selecting themes for their pandals.
Theme-based pujas will be allowed, but organisers have been told to ensure that their idols, pandals and themes do not hurt religious sentiments or undermine Sanatan traditions.
The government has also decided that puja inaugurations will not be allowed before Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of Devi Paksha.
Red road Durga Puja carnival scrapped
In another major change, the government has decided not to hold the traditional Durga Puja carnival on Kolkata's Red Road this year.
The carnival was introduced during the previous TMC government in 2017 and became a major annual event featuring selected Maa Durga murtis and puja committees. The BJP government has now decided to discontinue it.
Instead, the state plans a large cultural programme at Eden Gardens around Mahalaya.
The government has announced a major Mahalaya event at Eden Gardens, featuring a four-hour programme with drone and fireworks shows, along with other cultural performances.
Similar cultural programmes are also planned in six cities during the run-up to Durga Puja. A special programme is also planned in Digha after Mahalaya.
Visarjan to follow scheduled dates
The government has said murti visarjan will take place according to the scheduled dates, with organisers expected to complete the process within the stipulated period before Lakshmi Puja.
The administration has also said it has taken the concerns of different communities into account while planning the immersion schedule.