At a grand gathering held at Netaji Indoor Stadium on Thursday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared a record financial grant of ₹1.10 lakh for each Durga Puja club and organising committee across West Bengal. The move marks a substantial hike from last year’s ₹85,000, ahead of the festive season and the high-stakes 2026 Assembly elections.
Alongside the financial boost, the state will also provide an 80 per cent subsidy on electricity bills for puja committees. All fire licence charges and associated fees are to be waived entirely, easing the logistical burden on organisers.
Known for her spontaneous crowd interactions, Mamata engaged with organisers before announcing the figure. “How much this time?” she asked playfully, before revealing, “This time the donation is ₹1 lakh 10 thousand!”
This year, Shashthi falls on 28 September, with the Durga Puja Carnival scheduled for 5 October, as per the Chief Minister’s announcement.
Mamata highlighted the festival’s economic and cultural significance. “Transactions worth ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 crore take place during this period. The livelihood of lakhs depends on this festival,” she stated.
Also read: Mamata to chair Durga Puja meet with organisers on July 31
Since the Trinamool Congress came to power in 2011, the state has incrementally raised the puja grants, from an initial ₹25,000 to this year’s ₹1.10 lakh. The announcement is being widely interpreted as a strategic move ahead of the elections.
Puja organisers welcomed the announcement, many of whom had anticipated the grant would be capped at ₹1 lakh based on previous remarks. The extra ₹10,000 sparked visible applause and cheer across the auditorium.
Critics have long questioned the rationale of allocating public funds for religious festivals, with the policy being challenged in court. However, the government has consistently defended the grants, citing the socio-economic value of the festival. Courts have upheld the state's position, recognising Durga Puja’s role in driving the economy.
Responding to critics once more, Mamata said, “Many people go to court. Some ask why they should be helped. But this is a festival that fuels the rural economy. They don’t speak about that.”
Observers note that the state-sponsored grant system has helped reduce coercive donation practices traditionally associated with the festival, allowing more clubs to invest in artistic themes and community participation. Bengal’s global recognition for Durga Puja, including its inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, is often attributed to such state-backed support.
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