The National Hindu Grand Alliance has demanded government-declared public holidays on Ashtami, Nabami, and Dashami during the upcoming Durga Puja.

Spokesperson Palash Kanti Dey noted that although the festival spans five days, only two are currently recognized as public holidays. “This prevents many from celebrating with their families or properly observing religious rituals,” he said.

The alliance also called for strengthened nationwide security, government-funded CCTV installations at all temples, army patrols across the country, and the formation of a central monitoring cell to oversee Puja security.