Guwahati: Durga Puja Alcohol Sales Soar to Rs 22.05 Crore in Three Days

GUWAHATI: In a spirited display of celebration during Durga Puja, the Excise Department in Guwahati unveiled a remarkable revelation. The city's residents indulged in alcoholic beverages worth a staggering Rs 22.05 crore in just three days of the festivities. This astonishing statistic sheds light on the exuberant nature of the city's celebration during this auspicious festival, as alcohol sales reach unprecedented heights.

The surge in alcohol sales has been particularly significant this year. Comparatively, in 2022, alcohol sales in the Kamrup Metropolitan district amounted to Rs 16.80 crore during the same period. This notable increase in alcohol consumption reflects the city's unwavering commitment to making the most of the Durga Puja festivities.

Just a week prior to these revelatory figures, Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressed the media in Guwahati. During his address, he confirmed that declaring a 'dry day' during Durga Puja would be a challenging endeavor. The Chief Minister acknowledged concerns about imposing such restrictions, as he feared that it could inadvertently lead to a surge in black market activities.

Guwahati's Durga Puja celebrations have become a symbol of unrestrained joy and festivity, with residents partaking in the merriment by enjoying alcoholic beverages worth a staggering Rs 22.05 crore in just three days. This record-breaking figure is a testament to the city's deep-rooted enthusiasm for the festival. The significant increase in alcohol sales this year, compared to the previous year's Rs 16.80 crore, underscores the city's unbridled commitment to making Durga Puja a memorable occasion.

In a recent press conference, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed the difficulties in implementing a 'dry day' policy during Durga Puja. He raised concerns that such restrictions could inadvertently give rise to illicit black market activities, indicating the delicate balance between cultural celebrations and regulatory measures.

The statistics underscore the need for a balanced approach, where authorities aim to ensure public safety and responsible consumption while allowing residents to partake in the festive revelry. The rapid increase in alcohol sales during this festival is a testament to the city's vibrant and lively Durga Puja celebrations, which have become a defining cultural event in Guwahati.

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