Adhikari launches Durga Puja festivities as BJP marks first year in power

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari inaugurated Durga Puja celebrations at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday. Adhikari stated that the festivities were launched as the Devi Paksha has commenced, maintaining the cultural tradition while adhering to religious norms and scriptures. This marks the inaugural Durga Puja since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took office in May, replacing the Trinamool Congress government.

Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced opposition for starting puja pandals before Mahalaya, the transition from Pitru Paksha to Devi Paksha, in previous years. The number of community pujas organized this year has increased by approximately 12,400, compared to last year, as no permission was required to conduct the celebrations.

West Bengal Governor RN Ravi, ministers, senior bureaucrats, and spiritual leaders attended the event. An audience of around 40,000 witnessed the inauguration, which featured a roadshow and a grand ceremony. Thousands of drones illuminated the stadium, showcasing Goddess Durga and traditional scenes. The state tourism and information departments will host cultural programs in various cities and tourist spots over the next four days, leading up to the main Puja celebrations.

The BJP government also reduced the grant for Durga Puja committees from ₹110,000 to ₹100,000 and imposed a ban on DJs, liquor outlets, and bars during the festivities. The Durga Puja carnival, a project initiated by Banerjee, has been canceled this year.