Bengal's Durga Puja sees shift towards Sanatani traditions under new regime

West Bengal's Durga Puja festivities this year reflect notable shifts in cultural emphasis and observance compared to earlier periods. The celebrations feature a strengthened focus on Sanatani traditions, with grander Mahalaya observances and expanded community participation.

The festival season has also drawn heightened celebrity and public attention, with star-studded Dusshera events marking a departure from previous formats. Alongside these cultural elements, the number and scale of community pujas across the state have expanded.

These changes indicate evolving approaches to how Bengal's flagship festival is organized and celebrated, reflecting broader cultural priorities within the state's current governance framework.