Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the state grant for Durga Puja committees will increase. The new amount will be 1.10 lakh for 2025. This change follows requests from many Puja organizers in West Bengal. This choice is meant to strengthen the social, cultural, and economic benefits of the state's largest festival.
More than 40,000 Durga Puja committees, both in cities and villages, will enjoy this financial support. It helps organizers and boosts the festive spirit for millions of Bengalis. The celebration suggests deeper ideas for community involvement, jobs, and the local economy.
If you’ve ever been in West Bengal during Durga Puja, you already know it’s not just a religious event. It’s a feeling. From college students picking out outfits for each day of the Puja to elderly uncles sitting with tea and talking about the best pandal they saw in their youth, Durga Puja connects everyone, no matter their age or background.
This year, that joy just got even bigger. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expanded the Puja supply to 1.10 lakh for each organizing committee. The declaration, made in Kolkata recently, obtained loud cheers and heartfelt applause.
The Big Announcement: What Mamata Said?
Every year, the West Bengal government provides a financial grant to community Durga Puja committees. In 2025, they raised that amount from 70,000 to 1.10 lakh.
Mamata Banerjee addressed hundreds of Puja organizers and stated the money would be credited at once to the money owed to them. This way, small neighborhood committees can get ready for the big celebration.
They can do this without disrupting fundraising efforts. About 43,000 Puja clubs and associations will benefit statewide. This includes both large city groups and smaller village committees.
Why Was This Grant Increased?
Now, some may ask—why this sudden increase? The answer is simple for those who watch Bengal's social and cultural life: Durga Puja is more than a festival; it’s a lifeblood. Here’s why the jump in grant makes sense:
1. Costs Have Gone Up Everywhere
- Just like groceries and petrol, the cost of organizing a Puja has also skyrocketed.
- Idol making, lighting, decoration, sound systems—all require much more money than before.
- Smaller clubs can’t keep up unless they get support.
2. Thousands Depend on This Festival to Earn a Living
From dhakis (drummers) and light workers to idol sculptors and pandal carpenters—lakhs of workers earn most of their annual income during Puja. More funds mean more work and fairer pay for these local artisans.
3. Promoting Culture, Tourism & Identity
It draws visitors from all around the world, not only from India.
Investing in Puja is investing in Bengal’s global image and soft power.
How Will Committees Use the 1.10 Lakh?
Puja organizers usually split their budget into several categories. Here’s how this grant will help:
Paying idol makers – guaranteeing fair compensation for skilled craftspeople
Pandal construction – many themes now include social awareness or heritage concepts
Lighting arrangements – especially in towns like Chandannagar, known for their light art
Cultural shows – hosting local music, drama, and dance programs
Public facilities – mobile toilets, water points, volunteer meals, and first aid kits
Crowd control & safety – hiring private security or coordination with police
Reactions on the Ground
The response to the announcement was almost instant. Within hours, social media in Bengal lit up with excitement. This is a huge relief for our club. Last year we had to cut back on decoration. Now we can go ahead with our full plan,” said Sujoy Dutta, a Puja organizer in Howrah.
I’m happy. It’s not just about money—it feels like the government values our effort,” said Rupa Mondal, a dancer who performs at Puja stages every year. Rural Bengal benefits, too. Extra funds help committees get better sound systems, improve bhog distribution, and plan more events for the community.
Political Motives? Let’s be honest.
Yes, critics have raisd eyebrows. Some opposition leaders have called this an “election stunt.” But in Bengal, you can’t ignore the emotional weight Puja holds. Even those who criticize the ruling party admit:
Durga Puja brings together the entire state. So whether the motive is political or cultural, the benefit is real. Mamata Banerjee addressed the matter directly: Durga Puja is not about politics. It is about Bengal’s soul. This festival belongs to everyone.
Year-Wise Breakdown of the Grant Hike. Here’s how the state grant has grown over the years:
|
Year |
Grant Amount |
|
2016 |
25,000 |
|
2018 |
28,000 |
|
2020 |
50,000 |
|
2023 |
70,000 |
|
2025 |
1.10 lakh |
This is the biggest single jump in the grant so far.
Durga Puja’s Economic Power
- The season adds over 40,000 crore to Bengal’s economy.
- It boosts industries like printing, lighting, food, retail, transport, tourism, and hospitality.
- Small vendors selling sarees, sweets, and handicrafts do their biggest business during this time.
- For many families, earnings from Puja season help them survive the rest of the year.
What’s in Store for 2025?
This year, with better funding, expect:
- Grander pandals with themes about environment, women’s rights, or village life
- More eco-friendly idols, reducing pollution in rivers
- Improved crowd management as a result of infrastructure and safety improvements
- Bigger community meals, ensuring everyone is included
And most importantly, more participation from young people, artists, and rural women’s groups, who now feel empowered to contribute.
Final Thoughts
Mamata Banerjee’s decision to raise the Durga Puja grant to 1.10 lakh per committee goes beyond finances. It celebrates the heart of Bengal. The state supports its biggest celebration by enriching community, economy, culture, and creativity.
As preparations begin, the expanded stores promise a joyful and inclusive Puja experience. Every corner of Bengal will shine with the spirit of Maa Durga and the unity of its people.
