&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Durga Puja 2026: 10 big announcements by West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari (in order of importance)")
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has rolled out a fresh set of guidelines for Durga Puja 2026. Here's everything you need to know:
1. No Durga Puja Carnival This YearThe state will not organise the Durga Puja Carnival in 2026, breaking from the tradition followed since 2016.
2. Complete Liquor Ban on Maha AshtamiSale of liquor will be banned across all shops and bars in the state on Maha Ashtami, October 19, 2026.
3. Grants Not for All Puja Committees AnymoreGovernment grants will no longer go to every Puja committee. Big-budget committees have been asked to skip the assistance, and the CM criticised the earlier practice of giving grants to all committees without scrutiny.
4. Rs 1 Lakh "Optional" Grant for Needy CommitteesOnly committees found to be genuinely in need, after scrutiny, will receive the Rs 1 lakh financial assistance.
5. Grand Mahalaya Show at Eden Gardens InsteadA four-hour programme depicting West Bengal's Durga Puja traditions will be held at Eden Gardens on October 10, complete with a drone show.
Trending Stories
)
The Early Spring is proof not everyone can talk about their real feelings, and it is perfectly OK
)
UN votes to ‘correct the map’ as India backs fairer world view
)
Nigerian Navy discovers 99,000 litres of suspected stolen, illegally refined products as it intensifies anti-crude oil theft operations
)
Who is Aditi Paudel? 17-year-old becomes Japan's first literacy ambassador
)
Bengaluru: Officials find 40 kg expired chilli at chairman's club
)
Jaishankar rejects trade link to ending Ukraine war
)
Israeli strikes on Lebanon kill three, injure 23 despite truce
)
Alpine glacier was covered with sheep wool sheets to prevent melting. It worked
)
South Korea mulls deploying military assets to Strait of Hormuz
)
World's fifth-largest economy, British army can't afford to train
)
Breaking | Vance takes the podium: First White House briefing since Leavitt's exit
)
Taiwan raises 'concerns' over China's missile test
)
BRICS 2026: $1 trillion sovereign capital set to converge in Delhi for first iBRICS Summit
)
What is Iran's Pickaxe Mountain that Trump has again threatened to bomb?
)
UN votes to correct world map that visually shrank Africa for 450 years
)
Former NewJeans member Danielle launches YouTube channel, hints at new solo journey
)
Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350 not out in South Africa
)
Brendan Fraser’s transformation fuels The Mummy 4 excitement as fans welcome back Rick O’Connell
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Krishna Janmashtami 2026: From Dhaniya Panjiri to Makhana Kheer- 5 best sweet dishes perfect for celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth
)
Donald Trump plans to travel to Ireland on Qatari-donated jet amid security concerns
)
Nazi-looted art to return to Jewish heirs
)
Eight killed in Kerala’s Thrissur after car rams into lorry parked on highway
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets use bulky, low-pressure tyres compared to US jets
)
FBI-wanted fraud accused arrested in Jalandhar over $600,000 scam
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US tanks weigh over 20 tons more than Russian tanks
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (September 4, 2026): GDN, Dhamaal 4, Jagamae Sangeetham- Watch 6 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Killing the Himalayas slowly: Human urine is melting a glacier on Mount Everest
6. No Blocking of National HighwaysPuja organisers will not be allowed to block National Highways for Puja-related activities.
7. 13 Key Kolkata Roads Off-Limits for ClosurePuja celebrations will not be permitted to shut down 13 designated important roads across Kolkata.
8. DJ Ban During Puja and ImmersionPlaying DJs will be prohibited both during Durga Puja celebrations and during idol immersion (visarjan).
9. No Cranes for Idol ImmersionCranes will not be permitted for use during the immersion of Durga idols.
10. No Pandal Inaugurations Before MahalayaPandals will only be allowed to open for inauguration during Matri Paksha, not before.
(A related appeal — asking organisers to avoid any distortion of Durga idols or pandal themes that could hurt religious sentiments — was also part of the CM's guidelines.)
