Planning to celebrate Durga Puja in West Bengal? From liquor shops and bars to DJ music and road access, the state government has announced a series of restrictions for the upcoming festivities.

The biggest announcement for revellers is a complete shutdown of liquor sales across the state on Maha Ashtami. All liquor shops and bars will remain closed on the day devotees offer anjali to Goddess Durga, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Monday.

The decision was among several measures unveiled at a coordination meeting with Durga Puja committees at Milan Mela Prangan, aimed at ensuring peaceful and orderly celebrations.

No liquor sales on Maha Ashtami

Despite Durga Puja traditionally being a period of high liquor demand, no alcohol will be available for sale anywhere in West Bengal on Maha Ashtami.

“On the day when devotees offer anjali to Maa Durga, all liquor shops in the state will remain closed. There will be no liquor available in bars either,” Adhikari said.

DJ music banned during Puja and immersion

The government has also announced a complete ban on DJ music during the Durga Puja celebrations and immersion processions.

Organisers have been asked to maintain discipline and preserve the traditional character of the festival.

Puja committees have also been cautioned against choosing themes that could hurt religious sentiments or undermine Sanatan traditions. Theme-based Durga Pujas will continue to be allowed, but organisers have been urged to exercise greater care while selecting concepts.

Roads that cannot be blocked for Puja

The administration has also placed restrictions on the use of roads for Puja-related activities.

No national highway will be permitted to be blocked for organising a Durga Puja. In Kolkata, 13 major roads, including Red Road and Cathedral Road, have been identified where Puja-related activities will not be allowed.

The government has also said Durga Puja inaugurations cannot take place before the beginning of Devi Paksha.

Rules for Durga Puja immersion

On immersion, Puja organisers will have to complete the process within the stipulated period before Lakshmi Puja.

Adhikari also said there would be no forcing or threatening anyone to alter an immersion date.

Meanwhile, cultural programmes are planned across six major cities during the festival, while special events will also be organised at six designated immersion ghats.

The government has announced special arrangements to help persons with disabilities, residents of old-age homes and people living in ashrams visit Durga Puja pandals.

An impartial jury will also be formed for the Sharad Samman awards, with members chosen for their understanding of the traditional, ritual and cultural aspects of Durga Puja.

With West Bengal preparing for its first Durga Puja under the BJP government, the announcements lay down a new set of rules covering everything from liquor sales and music to roads, Puja themes and immersion.

With PTI inputs