Durga Puja guidelines 2026: Suvendu Adhikari announces liquor ban, no DJs and more; check full list

All Durga Puja pandals and themes should reflect and conform to the festival’s original significance and traditions, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari told organisers at a meeting on Monday, announcing several changes to celebrations that Kolkata and Bengal had become accustomed to in recent years.

The state administration will not organise any immersion carnival this year, but roadshows will be held during the festival days. This will be in addition to the Mahalaya programme at Eden Gardens announced by the state a few days ago, he said.

A partial ban on alcohol sales will also return to the Durga Puja calendar this year, with Adhikari announcing that liquor vends will remain closed on Ashtami.

Check full announcements:

1. Liquor shops and bars across West Bengal will remain closed on Maha Ashtami during the upcoming Durga Puja.
2. No liquor would be sold anywhere in the state on Maha Ashtami.
3. There will be no liquor available in bars either.
4. Complete ban on DJ music during the festivities as well as immersion processions.
5. Puja committees to ensure that their idols, pandals and themes do not hurt religious sentiments or undermine Sanatan traditions.
6. Theme-based Pujas will be permitted.
7. No national highway will be allowed to be blocked for organising a Puja.
8. In Kolkata, 13 major roads, including Red Road and Cathedral Road, have been identified where such activities will not be permitted.
9. The government will not allow Puja inaugurations before the beginning of Devi Paksha.
10. Organisers would have to complete the immersion process within the stipulated period before the Lakshmi Puja.
11. Two-day cultural programmes will be organised in six major cities.
12. Special programmes will be held at six designated immersion ghats.
13. 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.
14. The government will also constitute an impartial jury for the Sharad Samman awards.