Durga Puja 2024: What does it cost to keep up with the culture and celebrations in Delhi? – Lifestyle News

As the festival season sweeps across India, Delhi-NCR is buzzing with vibrant celebrations. From the ongoing Navratri festivities to the upcoming Durga Puja, the air is thick with excitement, color, and tradition. But beyond the glitz and grandeur, the economics behind these celebrations are equally fascinating.

One of the most iconic Durga Puja celebrations in Delhi takes place in Chittaranjan Park (CR Park), the heart of the Bengali community in the capital. Known for its authentic and immersive Pujo experience, CR Park draws crowds in the hundreds of thousands. “This year, our budget for the Puja is Rs 1 crore,” shares Abhijit Nandi, Cultural Secretary of the Mela Ground committee. “Sponsorships make up a significant portion of our budget, and we’ve offered advertising options throughout, from the entry gate to the pandal interiors,” he adds. The celebration expects around 1.6 lakh visitors per day, contributing to the festive fervor in the area.

Nandi also provides a glimpse into the scale of preparation, revealing that it takes over a month to execute the festival, with budgeting and ideation starting much earlier. The elaborate setup and cultural performances breathe life into the streets, offering a surreal experience to visitors and residents alike.

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Meanwhile, in Noida and other parts of NCR, housing societies are hosting equally elaborate Pujas. “Our pandal will be decorated with real flowers and feature a life-sized Durga Maa idol,” says Dileep, secretary of a Noida society. With a budget little under a crore, these celebrations are primarily funded by sponsorships from local businesses, with additional contributions from residents. “Around 80% of our funding comes from sponsorships,” he explains, adding that these partnerships are crucial to bringing the community together.

Even the smaller details, such as sponsorship spaces on water glasses at pandals, are thoughtfully monetized to provide sponsors with visibility. Neelam, the cultural secretary of an Amrapali society, notes that small yet impactful placements like these attract more eyeballs and generate revenue in creative ways.

According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the festive season is expected to boost Delhi’s economy significantly, with the capital projected to contribute over Rs 8,000 crore in market activity. With over 1,000 Ramleelas and hundreds of Durga Puja pandals planned, the city is set to witness a surge in consumer spending as celebrations hit their peak.

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