Published: 12:00 AM, 17 October 2026 Last Update: 12:00 AM, 17 October 2026
Durga Puja Adds Momentum to West Bengal’s Economy
Durga Puja is the biggest festival of the Bengalis. It is not held in Kolkata, but also all over Kolkata, West Bengal plus rest of India, such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Agartala etcetera. Durga Puja is also held in our closer neighbour Bangladesh plus other nations of the globe.
Though the Durga Puja is regarded as one of the famous festive moments of the Bengalis, with the passing away of time and space, the festivity has attained an international feeling. It is also held in Germany, The Netherlands, US, France, UK etcetera.
Apart from the annual ritual of the festival, there is also an economic aspect involved in it. My respected readers might have a feeling why I am touching upon the economic aspects of Durga Puja.
In our social and cultural life, we find that the economy is deeply involved into it. The thought seems deeply logical. This is because without an economy how can we organize any type of social and cultural gathering. Especially when we observe Durga Puja, then we start feeling the economic aspect is deeply involved in this affair. Otherwise, celebration of this will always remain a murky affair.
As per the economic aspect is concerned, it is found that an estimated Rs 65000 crores to Rs 70000 crores are involved into it all over the state. Among the above figures, the capital city of West Bengal, generates around 60% to 70% of the total revenue.
Now let me touch upon the economic aspects of Durga Puja in West Bengal and also in other states of India. In Kolkata, we find that in selling foods and beverages, an approximate amount of Rs 1200 to Rs 1500 crores through sales of different food products, Rs 800 crores to Rs 900 crores in selling various types of garments in different hubs of Kolkata. Apart from the above there has been a massive sale of jewellery, apparel and footwear which amounts to around 45% of the total revenue in this Puja.
In Kolkata, there are around 3000 community Pujas out of which 248 major festivals are held during the Puja. In the Indian capital city, New Delhi, there are around 1000 Pujas being held. Total revenue collections earned Rs 8000 crore in overall market and for commercial purposes. In the capital city, New Delhi, around Rs 65000 crore to Rs 1,00,000 crore for overall Durga Puja celebrations for around three to five days.
As the poverty in West Bengal and New Delhi, has surged up so badly hence lies the need of an economic upsurge on account of which amounts which has already been stated above.
Now arriving at the logic behind economic entrepreneurship during Durga Puja. If one becomes introspective in temperament, it is felt by humanity how deeply it is relevant.
Durga Puja in West Bengal, New Delhi and other parts of India plus rest of the globe. Has been successful in attaining the status of universality. Let me examine the economic aspect of Durga Puja in the subsequent paragraphs.
As per the verdict of the UNESCO, it is found that the festival has attained the status of cultural and social heritage, which is well known as multisectoral economic powerhouse in West Bengal and other parts of India, which fetches a turnover of Rs 46000 crore to Rs 50,000 crore, which is no doubt quite significant. This is as per GDP ranking which is around 3% of the state’s GDP. The stated figure might not be accurate, but can be treated as assumptive.
According to a survey undertaken by the British Council Library, Kolkata, the state government of West Bengal, contributes around 2.5% to 3% of total GDP of the state.
From other aspects, there are key economic sources. These are stated as such, retail, fashion ware and finally foods and beverages. From other sources, we find that there are various corporate groups in India (which are based mostly in Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai etc) and advertising companies of India and global ones also sponsor various Durga Pujas of Kolkata and other parts of the state.
Pity aspect to be noted is that the poor citizens of the state of West Bengal are in utterly dire straits. In this regard, professionals like priests, drummers do not receive their due emoluments. As per relevant data, this writer does have, there are estimated numbers of 3000 drummers performing during Durga Puja in this Indian state of West Bengal. In other Indian cities like New Delhi and Mumbai the number of drummers is estimated to be around 2000 in the Durga Pujas held in the above-named cities of India. In Bangladesh and in Pujas held in other parts of the globe, drummers are recruited from the Indian state of West Bengal.
Apart from the participation by drummers, there was also participation by different vocal musicians and their accompanists. For example, Anindya Chatterjee and his team members participated in the New Delhi and Mumbai Puja. This draws quite a huge number of domiciled Bengalis based in those Metro cities. Their remunerations are arranged by the domiciled Bengalis.
Around a 1.5-hour slot. In Mumbai the rates are Rs 10,000 to Rs 75000 per event. There is a difference between performances in New Delhi and Mumbai. In Mumbai there are several domiciled Bengalis who manage to invite several Bengali vocalists and their accompanists mainly through personal contacts.
Summing up my above discourses, one point becomes crystal clear in our mind. Like other issues, economic issues are deeply inclined with Durga Puja of Kolkata, New Delhi and Mumbai. This is because as the cost of organizing Durga Puja is surging so high, hence organizers have to focus deeply upon the economic aspect, otherwise Puja will not be in a position to get carried on. In the household Durga Pujas in West Bengal, we find that as the costs have surged so steeply, hence it becomes deeply cumbersome to organize the Puja of four to five days. However, despite all the odds, Puja is held every year amidst the specter of amiability and cordiality. Costs will surge on a regular basis, but one has to abide by the situation's warrant.
Sujayendra Das is a columnist
based in Calcutta, India.
