Liquor sales will be prohibited across West Bengal on Maha Ashtami, with liquor shops and bars ordered to remain closed during the day, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Monday.
The announcement was made at a coordination meeting with Durga Puja committees at Milan Mela Prangan, where Adhikari outlined measures aimed at ensuring peaceful celebrations across the state.
“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,” Suvendu said, reported news agency PTI.
The restrictions are not limited to liquor sales and will also extend to DJ music, which has also been banned during the Durga Pujo festivities as well as immersion processions, the Chief Minister has instructed.
Adhikari also asked Puja committees to exercise caution while deciding on the designs and themes of their celebrations. He said idols, pandals and themes should not offend religious sentiments or show disrespect towards Sanatan traditions.
While theme-based pandals will be allowed, the chief minister stressed that committees should be careful in choosing their themes.
The restrictions come against the backdrop of liquor being in high demand during Durga Pujo celebrations in West Bengal.
Minister Arjun Singh, while reacting to the development, said, “This is a very good announcement, as do people understand the significance of Ashtami, which is the day we offer Anjali and perform the grandest worship of the Goddess Mother. Having everything closed on that day would be the best outcome, and while it may cause inconvenience to a few people, nothing can be done about that”
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