{
  "id": 15108486,
  "title": "A grand Mahalaya, stress on Sanatani traditions, a star-studded Dusshera and more: What has changed this Durga Puja in Bengal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/a-grand-mahalaya-stress-on-sanatani-traditions-a-star-studded",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T02:58:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/a-grand-mahalaya-stress-on-sanatani-traditions-a-star-studded-dusshera-and-more-what-has-changed-this-durga-puja-in-bengal-101792204929290.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This year's Durga Puja in Kolkata kicked off with the traditional Bodhan ritual on Friday, marking the first celebration under the BJP-led government that took power in May. While there has been praise for the increased number of community pujas this year, rising from approximately 45,000 to around 58,000, there has also been controversy surrounding the inauguration of these pandals. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee initiated many of the big-ticket pandals even before Mahalaya, leading to accusations of hurting religious sentiments by Hindu rights organizations. This year, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a change in the inauguration schedule, starting only after Mahalaya. The government also held a grand cultural event featuring a drone show and fireworks at the Netaji Indoor Stadium on Mahalaya. Due to concerns over the sanctity of idols, the number of theme-based idols at Kumartuli has dropped significantly, with most pandals adhering to traditional forms. The government has replaced cranes with trolleys and conveyor belts to lift idols during immersion to preserve their sanctity. The Durga Puja carnival, a popular event under the previous administration, was cancelled this year. Financial assistance for puja clubs has been reduced, but smaller pujas may still apply. The government has also urged some corporate firms to paint rainbow-colored flyovers to enhance their appearance during the festive season. Despite the large-scale preparations, a star-studded Dussehra program in Asansol will see the chief minister perform the Ravan Dahan, instead of Mamata Banerjee.",
  "summary": "HT take a look at what has changed this Durga Puja compared to what used to be during the TMC’s regime, apart from the number of community pujas.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}