📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Subhrajyoti07
Business
Big Durga Puja organisers see revenue surge as smaller committees struggle
✍️ Business Standard
🗓 18 Oct 2026, 01:46 AM
👁 13
Large Durga Puja committees in West Bengal report a sharp rise in sponsorship and ticket sales this season, while many smaller groups face financial shortfalls.
West Bengal's Durga Puja season this year has turned into a lucrative period for the state's biggest festival organisers. Corporate sponsors, tourism operators and affluent patrons have poured money into high‑profile pandals, driving a noticeable jump in overall revenue compared with previous years.
In contrast, numerous smaller community committees are reporting cash flow problems. Limited access to large sponsors and lower ticket demand have left them unable to meet the rising costs of materials, lighting and security that modern pandals require.
Industry observers say the gap reflects a broader shift toward commercialisation of the festival, where well‑funded groups can afford elaborate designs and extensive marketing, while grassroots organisations struggle to stay afloat.
The disparity is also affecting ancillary businesses. Vendors attached to major pandals report higher sales, whereas those serving smaller sites see reduced footfall.
Officials of the West Bengal tourism department note that the overall economic impact of the festival remains positive, but caution that support mechanisms may be needed to ensure smaller committees can continue participating in future celebrations.
In contrast, numerous smaller community committees are reporting cash flow problems. Limited access to large sponsors and lower ticket demand have left them unable to meet the rising costs of materials, lighting and security that modern pandals require.
Industry observers say the gap reflects a broader shift toward commercialisation of the festival, where well‑funded groups can afford elaborate designs and extensive marketing, while grassroots organisations struggle to stay afloat.
The disparity is also affecting ancillary businesses. Vendors attached to major pandals report higher sales, whereas those serving smaller sites see reduced footfall.
Officials of the West Bengal tourism department note that the overall economic impact of the festival remains positive, but caution that support mechanisms may be needed to ensure smaller committees can continue participating in future celebrations.