The West Bengal government has laid out a series of measures and guidelines for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
NO CARNIVAL THIS YEAR, SAYS CM ADHIKARI
It also sanctioned a Rs 1 lakh grant for Puja committees, free electricity and a waiver of the fee for mandatory fire safety licences.
It is to be noted that, for the first time, a government in West Bengal has instructed a complete ban on the sale of alcohol on a day of Durga Puja.
Neither the Left nor the TMC government earlier issued such a ban.
The Svendu Adhikari administration has also called off the post-Puja carnival, an event introduced during Mamata Banerjee’s tenure that drew considerable attention over the years, both for its popularity and the controversies surrounding it.
The Chief Minister on Monday also announced a slew of new directions for this year’s Durga Puja, including a complete ban on the sale of liquor on Maha Ashtami and the use of DJ music during immersion processions.
The Adhikari administration has also called off the post-Puja carnival, an event introduced during Mamata Banerjee’s tenure that drew considerable attention over the years, both for its popularity and the controversies surrounding it.
“On the day of Maha Ashtami, when we pay floral tributes to the Goddess in this state, all liquor shops shall be closed, including bars. Liquor cannot be sold on the day of Ashtami,” Adhikari said.
Along with these guidelines, the BJP regme announced a grant of Rs one lakh for the puja committees, free electricity, and a waiver of the fee for mandatory fire safety licences.
The CM urged all the Puja committees to ensure that their idols, pandals and themes do not distort the religious and cultural sentiments of the people. The announcement is similar to an appeal earlier made by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).
NO LIQUOR ON MAHA ASHTAMI
Suvendu Adhikari said the restriction was being imposed on a day of particular religious significance, when devotees traditionally offer floral tributes to Goddess Durga.
In another significant decision, Adhikari announced that the Durga Puja carnival hosted by the Bengal government after the festival would be discontinued.
The carnival, earlier held on Kolkata’s iconic Red Road, featured a grand parade of Durga idols from several puja committees before they were taken for immersion in the Hooghly River.
It had become a prominent feature of Kolkata’s Durga Puja celebrations since Mamata Banerjee’s second tenure as Chief Minister. Banerjee, several of her cabinet ministers and a host of celebrities were regulars at the mega cultural event, which was also broadcast live on several television channels.
While the carnival won appreciation from many, it also faced criticism from various sections over the years. The backlash intensified last year when North Bengal was reeling under devastating floods, while Mamata Banerjee was seen attending the carnival in Kolkata.
CM Adhikari also announced restrictions concerning idol immersion processions.
He said DJ music would not be allowed during immersion processions and urged Puja committees to complete the immersion of idols before Lakshmi Puja.
Bengali Lakshmi Puja falls on October 25 this year. “I would urge everyone to complete the idol immersion by the day before,” Adhikari said.
The appeal is aimed at ensuring that the immersion process is completed before the next major festival, while also avoiding disruption during the festive period.
DO NOTHING THAT COMPROMISES RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS
CM issued an appeal to Puja committees over the way Durga Puja themes, idols and decorations are designed.
He requested organisers not to distort the traditional representation of Goddess Durga or create themes and installations that could hurt religious sentiments or compromise Bengal’s cultural heritage.
“Regarding idols, pandals, themes, or decorations—please do nothing that compromises religious or cultural heritage and religious sentiments,” he said.
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