Only big pandals mean fat money? Why small Durga Puja committees in West Bengal are struggling

West Bengal's Durga Puja economy is experiencing a widening gap between large organizers and smaller community celebrations, despite an increase in the number of pujas across the state. While major puja committees, shopping malls, retailers, and e-commerce platforms have reported strong business, smaller organizers, traditional markets, and hawkers are struggling.

Large committees have booked outdoor advertising slots at higher rates, with some inventory remaining unsold. Smaller committees face weaker advertiser demand, with around 30% of advertising slots left vacant. Ad rates for big-budget pujas have increased by at least 20% due to LED displays, but brands are reducing spending on smaller roads and pujas.

Park Street, Camac Street, and Theatre Road have emerged as key advertising hubs. Organised retail has seen a 17% increase in footfall during the pre-Puja period, with strong demand in various product categories. However, e-commerce platforms are offering deep discounts, hurting traditional retailers who cannot match their prices.

Small hawkers in traditional markets are also affected by online shopping, department stores, and malls, with the threat of eviction adding to their concerns. The government's focus on big capital investments and protection of its interests is perceived as unfavorable to small retailers and hawkers.