The West Bengal administration under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has released administrative guidelines for the upcoming Durga Puja season, introducing several policy shifts:

• Maha Ashtami Alcohol Ban: A total prohibition on liquor sales across all retail outlets and bars on Maha Ashtami, marking the state's first festive alcohol ban during the festival.

• Cancellation of Red Road Carnival: The state-sponsored post-Puja parade in Kolkata, originally introduced during the previous administration, has been officially discontinued.

• Immersion Protocols: Complete prohibition of DJ systems during idol immersion processions, with organizers directed to complete immersions prior to Lakshmi Puja.

• Cultural Traditions: A request for Puja committees to maintain traditional iconography and avoid themes that could compromise cultural heritage or hurt religious sentiments.

Financial Assistance and Guidelines for Committees

The administration announced financial and operational support targeted primarily at lower-budget organizers:

• Targeted Grants: Needy Puja committees will receive financial assistance of ₹1 lakh following administrative scrutiny.

• Utility Waivers: Free electricity will be provided for the festivities alongside a complete waiver of mandatory fire safety licensing fees.

• Appeal to High-Budget Committees: Affluent organizers are urged to forego government grants and rely on corporate sponsorships or traditional community contributions (chanda) to preserve public funds.