Maha Ashtami 2026: Why West Bengal Is Shutting Liquor Shops and Bars Across the State
West Bengal has announced a series of measures for Durga Puja 2026, including the closure of liquor shops and bars across the state on Maha Ashtami and a complete ban on DJ music during festivities and immersion processions. The government has also imposed road-use restrictions and issued guidelines for Puja themes and idol immersion.
Liquor shops and bars across West Bengal will remain closed on Maha Ashtami during Durga Puja 2026, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Monday. The state government has also imposed a complete ban on DJ music during Durga Puja celebrations, including immersion processions, as part of a series of measures aimed at ensuring peaceful and orderly festivities.
Addressing a coordination meeting with Durga Puja committees at Milan Mela Prangan, Adhikari said liquor would not be available anywhere in the state on the day devotees offer anjali to Goddess Durga.
“On the day when devotees offer anjali (Maha Ashtami) to Maa Durga, all liquor shops in the State will remain closed. There will be no liquor available in bars either,” he said.
Maha Ashtami 2026: Liquor Shops and Bars to Remain Closed
Under the measures announced by the West Bengal government, liquor shops across the state will remain shut on Maha Ashtami. Bars will also not be permitted to serve liquor on the day. Dhirendra Shastri vs Samik Bhattacharya: West Bengal BJP Chief Rejects Meat Ban Call During Durga Puja (Video).
The decision comes as the state prepares for its first Durga Puja under the BJP government, with the administration focusing on maintaining law and order while ensuring that traditional and religious practices are preserved.
West Bengal To Shut Liquor Shops, Bars on Maha Ashtami
DJ Music Banned During Durga Puja and Immersion Processions
The government has also announced a complete ban on DJ music during the festivities, including during idol immersion processions.
Adhikari urged Durga Puja committees to maintain discipline and preserve the traditional character of the festival. Theme-based Puja celebrations will be permitted, but organisers have been asked to ensure that their themes do not hurt religious sentiments or undermine Sanatan traditions. West Bengal Remuneration Hike: State Announces Salary Boost for Over 1 Lakh Employees.
Restrictions on Roads and Puja Activities
The state government has also introduced restrictions on the use of roads for Puja-related activities.
No national highway will be allowed to be blocked for Durga Puja celebrations. In Kolkata, 13 major roads, including Red Road and Cathedral Road, have been identified where such activities will not be permitted.
The administration has also said that Puja inaugurations will not be allowed before the beginning of Devi Paksha, the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin traditionally associated with the worship of Goddess Durga.
Durga Puja Idol Immersion Deadline Before Lakshmi Puja
Speaking about idol immersion, Adhikari said Puja organisers would have to complete the immersion process within the stipulated period before Lakshmi Puja.
“There will be no forcing or threatening anyone to change the immersion date,” he said.
The government has also planned cultural programmes in six major cities and special events at six designated immersion ghats as part of the Durga Puja celebrations.
Special Arrangements for Elderly and Persons With Disabilities
The administration will make arrangements to facilitate Puja visits for persons with disabilities, residents of old-age homes and people living in ashrams.
Officials are also planning measures to ensure that visitors can participate in the festivities safely and comfortably.
Sharad Samman Jury to Focus on Tradition and Culture
An impartial jury will be constituted for the Sharad Samman awards, with members selected for their knowledge of the traditional, ritual and cultural aspects of Durga Puja, Adhikari said.
The Sharad Samman awards recognise notable Durga Puja celebrations and organisers across the state.
West Bengal Prepares for First Durga Puja Under BJP Government
The announcements come as West Bengal prepares for its first Durga Puja under the BJP government. The administration is seeking to balance large-scale celebrations with restrictions aimed at maintaining public order and protecting religious and cultural sentiments.
With liquor restrictions on Maha Ashtami, a DJ ban, road-use curbs and guidelines for Puja themes and idol immersion, the state government has outlined several measures for the 2026 Durga Puja festivities.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2026 09:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).