In a recent update, West Bengal has introduced some new rules for Durga Puja 2026. As per the latest announcements made by the West Bengal government at a coordination meeting with Durga Puja committees, liquor shops and bars across the state will remain closed on Maha Ashtami. Not only this, DJ music has also been prohibited during Puja celebrations and idol immersion processions. The state’s official 2026 holiday calendar confirms that Maha Ashtami falls on October 19, followed by Maha Navami on October 20 and Vijaya Dashami on October 21.Liquor banned on Maha Ashtami day
Durga Puja (Canva)
One of the most important changes for this year is the decision to ban liquor on Maha Ashtami, October 19.All liquor shops and bars across West Bengal will remain shut on Maha Ashtami. The state government has made it clear that liquor will not be sold during the day. The decision is particularly notable because Ashtami is one of the most important days of Durga Puja, when devotees visit pandals, offer anjali and take part in various religious rituals.The restriction is also unusual because liquor consumption and sales typically rise during the festive period. For travellers planning a Kolkata trip around Puja, this means those who intend to visit bars should take the restriction into account.No DJ music during idol immersion
No DJ (Canva)
Another major decision concerns the traditional immersion processions. The government has announced a ban on DJ music during Durga Puja and idol immersion processions. The move is aimed at keeping celebrations more in line with traditional practices while also reducing noise and disruption during large public gatherings.While music and traditional instruments remain an integral part of the celebrations, the use of DJs and high-volume sound systems will not be allowed.Roads and national highways cannot be blockedThe government has also directed Puja organisers not to block roads or national highways for celebrations. This could be particularly important for visitors travelling around Kolkata during the festival. Durga Puja attracts enormous crowds, and temporary road closures and diversions can significantly affect journey times.Travellers visiting Kolkata during the peak Puja days should therefore expect traffic restrictions around popular pandals and immersion routes.No Red Road Durga Puja Carnival this year
Durga Puja (Canva)
The state government has also announced that the Red Road Durga Puja Carnival will not be organised this year. The carnival had become a major post-Puja attraction in Kolkata. It used to bring together several award-winning idols. Introduced during the previous government, it gradually evolved into a major cultural spectacle and tourist attraction.No cranes during the immersionAs per new guidelines, cranes will not be allowed at immersion ghats. The administration has also stressed the need for orderly immersion arrangements and public safety. With thousands of idols being immersed across Bengal after the festival, the government is seeking tighter management of crowds, traffic and immersion points.What to expect during Durga Puja 2026
Durga Puja (AI-Image)
Despite the new restrictions, Durga Puja 2026 is expected to remain one of the biggest cultural and travel events in West Bengal.Mahalaya falls on October 10, while the main Puja holidays begin later in the month. According to the official state holiday calendar, Maha Ashtami is on October 19, Maha Navami on October 20 and Dashami on October 21.For travellers, Kolkata’s famous neighbourhoods and pandals will remain the biggest attraction. From traditional household celebrations to large-scale community pandals, the festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience Bengal’s art, food, music and religious traditions.However, tourists should keep the new regulations in mind: October 19 will be a dry day, DJ music will not be allowed during Puja and immersion processions.
