New Delhi: This year Durga Puja will be organized in West Bengal with some changed rules. This will be the first big Durga Puja festival of the state after the formation of BJP government. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced many new rules and decisions for puja committees. These include ban on sale of liquor on Maha Ashtami to ban on DJ.
Ban on sale of liquor on Maha Ashtami
The government has decided to completely ban the sale and serving of liquor in entire West Bengal on the day of Maha Ashtami. During this period, liquor shops and bars will remain closed. The government has appealed to the puja committees to maintain the religious and cultural dignity of the festival.
Puja will not start before Mahalaya
This time Durga Puja will start according to the traditional calendar. According to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, puja programs will not be started before Mahalaya. Mahalaya is considered to mark the beginning of Devi Paksha.
DJ will also be banned
There will be a complete ban on playing DJ during Durga Puja. Apart from this, closure of highways and major roads will not be allowed for puja. 14 roads of Kolkata will also not be closed due to puja.
New rules regarding immersion also
The government has fixed October 24 as the last date for immersion of Durga idols. The reason for this is that Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is on 25th October. Use of cranes will not be allowed at immersion ghats and the procession will not disrupt traffic on national highways.
Changes in grants to puja committees
This time, a grant of Rs 1 lakh will be given to the puja committees, which is Rs 10,000 less than last year. However, the government has appealed to financially capable committees not to take grants voluntarily.
Electricity and fire safety charges waived
The government has decided to completely waive electricity charges for puja committees. Also, no fee will be charged for fire safety certificate.
Special program will be held at Mahalaya
On the occasion of Mahalaya, a special Durga Puja program will be organized in Eden Garden. A display of drones and fireworks is also proposed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to participate in the program.