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Religion
West Bengal approves 12,400 new Durga Puja committees, ₹1 lakh grants to be released
✍️ Business Standard
🗓 11 Oct 2026, 05:02 AM
👁 14
The West Bengal government has cleared 12,400 new Durga Puja committees for the upcoming festive season and will soon release a ₹1 lakh grant to each approved puja.
Kolkata – The West Bengal state administration has given formal permission for 12,400 new Durga Puja committees to organize celebrations this year, expanding the cultural calendar across the state. The approval, announced by the Department of Culture, follows a routine verification of applications submitted by local societies and temple trusts.
Under the state’s cultural‑promotion scheme, each newly approved puja will receive a grant of ₹1 lakh. The funds are earmarked for essential expenses such as pandal construction, lighting, sound systems and safety measures, aiming to uphold the traditional grandeur while ensuring public safety.
Officials said the disbursement will begin within the next two weeks, after the committees complete the required documentation. The move is expected to boost local economies, generate seasonal employment and reinforce Bengal’s reputation as the epicentre of Durga Puja festivities.
The government has also urged the puja organizers to adhere to fire‑safety norms and crowd‑management guidelines, promising regular inspections throughout the festival period.
With the grants and permissions now in place, the newly sanctioned pujas are slated to commence preparations in early September, aligning with the traditional lead‑up to the main celebrations in October.
Under the state’s cultural‑promotion scheme, each newly approved puja will receive a grant of ₹1 lakh. The funds are earmarked for essential expenses such as pandal construction, lighting, sound systems and safety measures, aiming to uphold the traditional grandeur while ensuring public safety.
Officials said the disbursement will begin within the next two weeks, after the committees complete the required documentation. The move is expected to boost local economies, generate seasonal employment and reinforce Bengal’s reputation as the epicentre of Durga Puja festivities.
The government has also urged the puja organizers to adhere to fire‑safety norms and crowd‑management guidelines, promising regular inspections throughout the festival period.
With the grants and permissions now in place, the newly sanctioned pujas are slated to commence preparations in early September, aligning with the traditional lead‑up to the main celebrations in October.