West Bengal to Give ₹5 Lakh Grant to Rath Yatra Committees, Boost Facilities for Kanwariyas

In a significant policy shift aimed at celebrating and sustaining regional heritage, the West Bengal government has announced a comprehensive package of fiscal support and infrastructure measures for the upcoming religious calendar. Under the newly elected administration, the state will provide a direct financial grant of ₹5 lakh (approximately £3,200) to dozens of traditional Rath Yatra organising committees. Furthermore, extensive welfare arrangements, including helicopter flower-drop greetings, are being formalised for the thousands of holy pilgrims embarking on the Sravan Mela foot-pilgrimages.