BJP Government Faces Cultural Test in Upcoming Durga Puja Celebrations in West Bengal

So the question is not only how the pandals will be decorated this time. The big question is, is the entire politico-cultural language of Durga Puja going to change under the BJP rule? AdvertisementThe Durga Puja of 2026 is going to be held between October 16 and 21. This will be the first Durga Puja after the formation of the BJP government in West Bengal. In this sense, it is also a kind of cultural test for the government. The BJP has to give a message to its supporters on the one hand that the effect of the change of power is visible on the ground, and on the other hand, the cultural identity of Bengal, in which Durga Puja is not the property of any one political ideology. The biggest change in advertising has already started to be seen. After the indirect change of power, there has been a change of leadership in many big and famous Durga Puja organizing committees of Kolkata. Many committees, which were earlier considered to be under the influence of leaders or supporters associated with the Trinamool Congress, have got new office bearers. Some committees have reorganized their working committees. This does not mean that every pandal has gone under the direct control of the political power or the balance of power within the BJP.