All shops closed for six days on Digha beach ahead of Durga Puja! Why did the administration make such a decision?
**Digha: All shops on the popular tourist destination Digha beach will remain closed for six consecutive days ahead of Durga Puja. The Digha-Shankarpur Development Board has announced the decision to close the beach shops from October 11 to October 16. Why such a decision at a time when tourist footfall is expected to increase in Digha during the festive season? There is a special plan behind this decision by the administration.**
Durga Puja means the season for Bengalis to travel. Many people from various parts of the state, including Kolkata, flock to Digha for a holiday. Enjoying the sea waves, shopping at various beach shops, eating street food, and spending time with family are among the main attractions for tourists. However, this year, the decision to close all shops on Digha beach right before the Puja has naturally raised questions among tourists and business owners.
## Why will the shops be closed for six consecutive days?
According to administrative sources, a special two-day cultural event has been organized by the government in Digha. The event is named **‘Mayer Agomone, Ananda Digha Jure’**. This event is scheduled to take place on October 14 and 15. Digha is being redecorated in connection with this event. Additionally, the decision to keep the beach shops closed has been made considering the presence of VIPs and distinguished guests, security arrangements, and the convenience of managing the event.
According to the announcement from the Digha-Shankarpur Development Board, the beach shops will remain closed from October 11 to October 16. This means that the opportunity for tourists to shop at familiar beach area shops will be limited before and during the event days.
## Where will the ‘Mayer Agomone, Ananda Digha Jure’ event take place?
Sources indicate that this special event will be organized in the area adjacent to the Jagannath Temple located in New Digha. Preparations for decoration have already begun from the entrance of Digha to various areas. The tourist center is being adorned with lights, various idols, banners, and hoardings.
Various programs will take place from 5 PM to 10 PM on October 14 and 15. There are plans to create a festive atmosphere through conch shell sounds, drum beats, fireworks, and cultural performances. Additionally, a drone show is also being organized to attract the audience.
Administrative sources further reveal that Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari may be present as the chief guest at the event. However, a final official announcement regarding his presence needs to be verified.
## Special attention to security by the administration
Digha's District Magistrate Niranjan Kumar has stated that many distinguished individuals, ministers, and artists are expected to attend the events on October 14 and 15. Therefore, special importance is being given to security. Security arrangements will be strengthened at the event venue and surrounding areas. Police patrolling will continue in the beach area, and barricades have been set up at various places.
To ensure that no unpleasant incidents occur during the event and to guarantee the safety of guests, plans are in place to blanket the entire Digha with security. The decision to close the shops is also part of this overall preparation.
## Six days of shop closures worry local businesses
The administration's decision has caused the most problems for small beach businesses. Their daily income largely depends on tourist footfall. Especially during the festive season, increased tourist activity leads to increased sales. Therefore, they are concerned about financial losses due to the continuous closure of shops for six days during this time.
A businessman named Tapan Sahu sells cosmetics on Digha beach. He states that the shop is his only source of income. If the shop remains closed for so long, there will be no earnings during the festive season. Still, they are trying to adapt to the situation as the administration is organizing this event.
Small business owners fear that closing shops during such an important time as the Puja may create difficulties in managing their households. Even though they comply with the administration's decision, their anxiety remains due to the lack of alternative income arrangements.
## Hotel owners hopeful for increased tourism due to government event
On the other hand, hotel owners in Digha are seeing a glimmer of hope surrounding this special event. They believe that if a large-scale cultural event, drone show, and festival are organized by the government, it could attract more tourists. This could lead to an increase in hotel bookings as well as a boost in overall tourism business.
Toton Sahu, a hotel owner in New Digha, mentioned that tourist footfall has been relatively low in Digha over the past few months, resulting in unsatisfactory hotel business. Therefore, they are feeling optimistic about this initiative by the administration. They believe that if tourist footfall increases during the festive season, it could bring some relief to the hotel business.
## What message for tourists?
If you are planning to spend the Puja holidays in Digha, it is essential to keep in mind that the beach shops will be closed. Due to the announcement of shop closures from October 11 to 16, planning based on shopping and food options in the beach area may lead to inconveniences. Therefore, it is advisable to check for hotel, food arrangements, and local administration directives before traveling.
On one hand, there are preparations for security and government events, and on the other hand, there are financial concerns for small businesses—this decision in Digha has created two types of reactions. The administration hopes that the special event will attract tourists. Now it remains to be seen how this initiative impacts Digha's tourism business during the festive season.
