West Bengal Bans Liquor Sales, DJ Music During Maha Ashtami Puja

Kolkata: Liquor shops and bars across West Bengal will remain closed on Maha Ashtami during the upcoming Durga Puja, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Monday, as the state government unveiled a series of measures to ensure orderly and peaceful celebrations. Addressing a coordination meeting with Durga Puja committees at Milan Mela Prangan here, Adhikari said no liquor would be sold anywhere in the state on Maha Ashtami. Also read: West Bengal cabinet approves remuneration hike of over one lakh staff 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, he said. The decision comes despite the traditionally high demand for liquor during the Puja days. Adhikari also announced a complete ban on DJ music during the festivities as well as immersion processions, stressing the need to maintain discipline and preserve the traditional character of the festival. The chief minister asked Puja committees to ensure that their idols, pandals and themes do not hurt religious sentiments or undermine Sanatan traditions. Theme-based Pujas, however, will be permitted, he said, while urging organisers to exercise greater caution in selecting their themes. The administration also imposed restrictions on the use of roads for Puja-related activities. No national highway will be allowed to be blocked for organising a Puja, while in Kolkata, 13 major roads, including Red Road and Cathedral Road, have been identified where such activities will not be permitted. The government will not allow Puja inaugurations before the beginning of Devi Paksha, Adhikari said. Devi Paksha is a bright lunar fortnight in the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin dedicated to the worship and invocation of Goddess Durga. Previous chief minister Mamata Banerjee was accused of inaugurating several Durga Pujas before the commencement of the Devi Paksha. On immersion, Adhikari said organisers would have to complete the process within the stipulated period before the Lakshmi Puja. There will be no forcing or threatening anyone to change the immersion date, he said. The state government has also planned a range of cultural and social initiatives during the festival. Two-day cultural programmes will be organised in six major cities, while special programmes will be held at six designated immersion ghats. Special arrangements will be made to enable persons with disabilities, residents of old-age homes and people living in different ashrams to undertake Puja visits, officials said. Also read: Fiscal mismanagement left West Bengal practically bankrupt: CM Suvendu AdhikariThe government will also constitute an impartial jury for the Sharad Samman awards, with members selected for their knowledge of the traditional, ritual and cultural aspects of Durga Puja, Adhikari said. Sharad Samman awards are honours given to Durga Puja organisers for creative and artistic excellence. The meeting was held as the state prepares for its first Durga Puja under the BJP government, with the administration seeking to balance large-scale celebrations with restrictions aimed at maintaining public order and safeguarding religious and cultural sentiments.