Economic slowdown cloud on Bengal's Durga Puja; sponsorship takes a hit

The state government's decision of not allowing VIP entry into the pandal has also affected the income of the larger committees

The ongoing slowdown has cast its shadow on this year’s Durga Puja in West Bengal –- as sponsorship for most of the larger puja committees is down between 20-50 per cent while the smaller clubs are forced to curtail their budget and scale down the celebration.

For instance, the SB Park puja committee in Thakurpukur, one of the most prominent attractions during the festival, has curtailed its three-day feast to a single day to keep costs under control.

“We used to hold feast for the entire neighbourhood but had to curtail it to make up for other expenses. Sponsorship has