Durga Puja Preparations: CM Suvendu Adhikari to Meet Puja Committees on September 7

Durga Puja preparations are set to gather pace across West Bengal as Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a special meeting with Durga Puja committees on September 7. The meeting is expected to focus on arrangements for the upcoming festival across Kolkata and different districts of the state.

The Chief Minister made the announcement while addressing a press conference at Nabanna on Monday. With Durga Puja being one of West Bengal’s biggest cultural and religious festivals, the meeting is expected to be closely watched by organisers, local administrations and residents.

CM Suvendu Adhikari to Meet Durga Puja Committees

The September 7 meeting will be an important part of this year’s Durga Puja preparations under the newly formed BJP-led state government.

While details of the agenda are yet to be finalised, the discussions are expected to cover issues related to puja arrangements, public safety, permissions, electricity, fire safety, traffic management and other logistical requirements.

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for puja organisers to raise their concerns directly with the state government ahead of the festive season.

Focus on Puja Arrangements Across Bengal

Durga Puja attracts thousands of large and small celebrations across West Bengal every year. Kolkata, in particular, witnesses major community pujas that draw large crowds from across the country and abroad.

With preparations beginning well ahead of the festival, coordination between puja committees and government departments is considered important for ensuring smooth celebrations.

The September 7 meeting is therefore likely to play a significant role in determining the government's approach towards this year's festival.

Will Puja Committees Receive Financial Assistance?

One of the biggest questions surrounding this year's Durga Puja preparations is whether the new state government will continue the financial assistance previously provided to puja committees.

During the previous Trinamool Congress government, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regularly held meetings with Durga Puja organisers. Such meetings were generally organised in August at Kolkata's Netaji Indoor Stadium.

Financial grants for puja committees were among the major announcements made during those interactions. Organisers also received various concessions and administrative support related to electricity charges, fire department clearances and other arrangements.

According to the information provided, around 45,000 Durga Puja committees across West Bengal received a grant of Rs 1.10 lakh each last year.

New Government's Approach Under Spotlight

This year, the political situation in West Bengal is different, with the BJP-led government now in power in the state.

As a result, puja organisers are keenly watching whether the existing financial assistance system will continue, be modified or be replaced with a new framework.

The September 7 meeting could provide greater clarity on the government's policy.

At present, it remains unclear whether the Suvendu Adhikari government will announce a financial grant for puja committees. It is also yet to be seen whether the previous grant amount will be retained or whether a revised assistance structure will be introduced.