Kolkata Police and the State Administration have outlined key safety, traffic, and organizational guidelines for Durga Puja 2026 to ensure smooth crowd control and public order.

General & Security Rules:

• No Early Openings: Pandals are restricted from inaugurating before Mahalaya.
• No DJ Music: The use of DJs is strictly prohibited during celebrations and idol immersion processions.
• Dry Day on Ashtami: All bars and liquor shops across the state will remain closed on Maha Ashtami (October 19, 2026).
• Pandal Monitoring: Police officers will review pandal themes and layouts to ensure they maintain traditional harmony and do not hurt religious sentiments.
• Crowd Flow & Congestion: Visitors will be discouraged from lingering for long periods inside pandals, and motorists are barred from slowing down or halting near crowded structures.

Traffic & Road Restrictions:

• No Road Blockades: Pandals cannot be set up on national highways or 13 major Kolkata thoroughfares (including Red Road, Prince Anwar Shah Road, Strand Road, and Lenin Sarani) to keep traffic moving.
• Footpath Clearance: Strict action will be taken against footpath encroachments to ensure safe space for pedestrians.
• Metro & Transit Support: Additional police personnel will be deployed outside major metro stations and transit hubs to regulate crowd surges.