Odisha Government Boosts Durga Puja Celebrations with Financial Aid

The Odisha BJP government has unveiled a new initiative to support Durga Puja celebrations, pledging financial aid to the tune of up to Rs 1.10 lakh per committee. Announced by Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Saturday, the move is designed to preserve cultural heritage and bolster traditional festivities across the state.

Under the scheme, Durga Puja committees are categorized into three groups: heritage Pujas, those that have been celebrated for 75 years, and those at the 50-year mark. Heritage Pujas will receive the full Rs 1.10 lakh, while the remaining two categories are slated to get Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000, respectively.

The financial support will cover 1,085 Puja committees statewide, with 215 heritage Pujas, 197 in the 75-year category, and 673 in the 50-year category, amounting to a total expenditure of Rs 7.14 crore by the government.

(With inputs from agencies.)