West Bengal Durga Puja 2026 Rules: Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister, laid out new rules for Durga Puja this year. The updates include a liquor ban across West Bengal on Maha Ashtami. He also said DJ music will not be allowed. Further, the state will restrict Puja processions and some pandal activities.
Adhikari spoke at a coordination meeting with Durga Puja committees. The meet took place at Milan Mela Prangan in Kolkata on September 7.
Maha Ashtami Liquor Ban
For the first time under the new government, liquor shops across West Bengal will stay shut on Maha Ashtami. This will cover bars too, along with other places that serve alcohol.
Adhikari said the move is tied to the religious meaning of Ashtami. He noted that people often come together for anjali to Maa Durga on that day.
No DJ Music During Puja
The state also announced a ban on DJ music during Durga Puja. The ban covers idol immersion processions as well. The government said the goal is to keep order, limit loud noise, and allow calmer celebrations.
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West Bengal Durga Puja 2026 Rules
Several other guidelines have been announced for Puja committees:
- Puja inaugurations will not be permitted before Mahalaya/Devi Paksha.
- Puja committees have been asked to ensure that idols, pandals and themes do not hurt religious sentiments or undermine Sanatan traditions.
- Theme-based Puja pandals will be allowed, but organisers have been urged to exercise caution.
- No Puja-related activity will be allowed to block national highways.
- A number of key roads in Kolkata are set for limits. Red Road and Cathedral Road are among them.
- The administration wants committees to finish idol immersion before Lakshmi Puja. October 24 has been named as the cutoff. Lakshmi Puja is on October 25.
₹1 Lakh Grant for Eligible Puja Committees
Adhikari urged organisers with strong finances and large budgets to skip the grant. The appeal was made so the support goes to committees that truly need it.
“I do not want to misuse the powers of the chief minister. I would request those who are capable (of organising pujas without government assistance) not to take the financial aid. Those who cannot organise the puja without this money will be given Rs 1 lakh by the government,” CM said.
The government has also announced concessions including free electricity and waivers related to fire-safety permissions for Puja committees.
What Changes for Durga Puja 2026?
The new guidelines indicate a stronger focus on religious traditions, public order, traffic management and noise control during Bengal’s biggest festival. The liquor restriction on Maha Ashtami and the DJ ban are among the most significant changes announced for this year’s celebrations.
“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,” Suvendu said.
“No one should have to approach the High Court simply to exercise their right to perform Durga Puja. The Constitution guarantees the right to practise one’s religion. For the past few years, there was a system of imposing certain arrangements in the name of the carnival. That will not be happening this year,” CM Adhikari stated.
If you are planning a Puja or helping with the event, please double check the dates and any limits again near the festival. Local offices or the police can send new rules later.
