Durga Puja Celebrations Shift Under New BJP Administration in West Bengal
· India · Hindustan Times, The Hindu
Durga Puja festivities in West Bengal have undergone significant changes following the BJP's rise to power in May 2025, ousting the 15-year-old Mamata Banerjee administration. The number of community pujas surged from around 45,000 last year to approximately 58,000 this year, with chief minister Suvendu Adhikari announcing that pandal inaugurations will be held strictly after Mahalaya. The state government also organised a mega cultural event featuring drone shows and fireworks at the Netaji Indoor Stadium. Emphasising Sanatani traditions, organisers were urged to avoid themes that might hurt religious sentiments, causing the production of theme-based idols at Kumartuli to drop from around 150 last year to fewer than 10.
Why it matters
The policy shift directly impacts puja organisers, artisans at Kumartuli, and cultural bodies across West Bengal, marking a major departure from previous administrative patronage.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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