In a current replace, West Bengal has launched some new guidelines for Durga Puja 2026. As per the newest bulletins made by the West Bengal authorities at a coordination assembly with Durga Puja committees, liquor outlets and bars throughout the state will stay closed on Maha Ashtami. Not solely this, DJ music has additionally been prohibited throughout Puja celebrations and idol immersion processions. The state’s official 2026 vacation calendar confirms that Maha Ashtami falls on October 19, adopted by Maha Navami on October 20 and Vijaya Dashami on October 21.Liquor banned on Maha Ashtami day
Durga Puja (Canva)
One of the necessary modifications for this 12 months is the choice to ban liquor on Maha Ashtami, October 19.All liquor outlets and bars throughout West Bengal will stay shut on Maha Ashtami. The state authorities has made it clear that liquor won’t be bought in the course of the day. The choice is especially notable as a result of Ashtami is among the most necessary days of Durga Puja, when devotees go to pandals, supply anjali and participate in numerous non secular rituals.The restriction can also be uncommon as a result of liquor consumption and gross sales usually rise in the course of the festive interval. For travellers planning a Kolkata journey round Puja, this implies those that intend to go to bars ought to take the restriction under consideration.No DJ music throughout idol immersion
No DJ (Canva)
One other main determination issues the normal immersion processions. The federal government has introduced a ban on DJ music throughout Durga Puja and idol immersion processions. The transfer is aimed toward preserving celebrations extra consistent with conventional practices whereas additionally lowering noise and disruption throughout giant public gatherings.Whereas music and conventional devices stay an integral a part of the celebrations, using DJs and high-volume sound methods won’t be allowed.Roads and nationwide highways can’t be blockedThe federal government has additionally directed Puja organisers to not block roads or nationwide highways for celebrations. This could possibly be notably necessary for guests travelling round Kolkata in the course of the competition. Durga Puja attracts monumental crowds, and short-term street closures and diversions can considerably have an effect on journey instances.Travellers visiting Kolkata in the course of the peak Puja days ought to due to this fact anticipate visitors restrictions round fashionable pandals and immersion routes.No Pink Street Durga Puja Carnival this 12 months
The state authorities has additionally introduced that the Pink Street Durga Puja Carnival won’t be organised this 12 months. The carnival had grow to be a significant post-Puja attraction in Kolkata. It used to carry collectively a number of award-winning idols. Launched in the course of the earlier authorities, it step by step advanced into a significant cultural spectacle and vacationer attraction.No cranes in the course of the immersionAs per new pointers, cranes won’t be allowed at immersion ghats. The administration has additionally careworn the necessity for orderly immersion preparations and public security. With hundreds of idols being immersed throughout Bengal after the competition, the federal government is looking for tighter administration of crowds, visitors and immersion factors.What to anticipate throughout Durga Puja 2026
Durga Puja (AI-Picture)
Regardless of the brand new restrictions, Durga Puja 2026 is anticipated to stay one of many greatest cultural and journey occasions in West Bengal.Mahalaya falls on October 10, whereas the primary Puja holidays start later within the month. In response to the official state vacation calendar, Maha Ashtami is on October 19, Maha Navami on October 20 and Dashami on October 21.For travellers, Kolkata’s well-known neighbourhoods and pandals will stay the most important attraction. From conventional family celebrations to large-scale group pandals, the competition provides guests a chance to expertise Bengal’s artwork, meals, music and spiritual traditions.Nevertheless, vacationers ought to preserve the brand new rules in thoughts: October 19 will probably be a dry day, DJ music won’t be allowed throughout Puja and immersion processions.