Ahead of the Durga Puja festival, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday issued a set of guidelines for celebrations in the state next month. He has announced restrictions on the sale of liquor and DJs to ensure peaceful festivities.

Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata after a meeting with the Durga Puja committees, Adhikari emphasised the festival will be celebrated with tradition and sanctity, bringing Sanskritic and Bengali culture together. All the liquor shops and bars will remain closed on Ashtami.

"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.

"No one should have to approach the High Court simply to exercise their right to perform Durga Puja. The Constitution guarantees the right to practise one’s religion. For the past few years, there was a system of imposing certain arrangements in the name of the carnival. That will not be happening this year," CM Adhikari stated.

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He added that the Tourist Department will organise a four-hour programme at the Eden Gardens on Mahakaya, the department's biggest-ever event.

Besides, Adhikari urged the committees to ensure that their idols, pandals and the event themes do not hurt religious sentiments or disrespect Sanatan traditions.

100% electricity charge waiver, no fee for fire safety clearance

Across the state, puja committees will get a 100 per cent waiver of electricity charges. Moreover, CM Suvendu said that committees would not have to pay fees for obtaining fire safety clearances.

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He requested the committees not to take financial aid unless they face strain. "I do not want to misuse the powers of the chief minister. I would request those who are capable (of organising pujas without government assistance) not to take the financial aid. Those who cannot organise the puja without this money will be given Rs 1 lakh by the government," he said.

(With PTI Inputs)