West Bengal bans liquor on Maha Ashtami, ends Durga Puja carnival

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday issued a set of new guidelines for Durga Puja celebrations in the state next month, including a complete ban on the sale of alcohol and DJs. Addressing a press conference in Kolkata after a meeting with Durga Puja committees to discuss preparations and arrangements, Adhikari said the festival will be celebrated with great sanctity and tradition, bring together Sanskritic and Bengali cultural traditions.“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 and added use of DJs completely banned.

VIDEO | Kolkata: "West Bengal to ban liquor sales at shops, bars on Ashtami during Durga puja", says Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari. pic.twitter.com/F6NR3mLSql

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The 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 BJP-led Bengal government has announced a grant of Rs one lakh for the puja committees, free electricity, and a waiver of the fee for mandatory fire safety licences.
Adhikari also 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.