Kolkata, Oct. 25 -- Liquor sales in East Midnapore reportedly reached Rs 52.71 crore during Durga Puja this year, up nearly Rs 20 crore from the previous year, despite Ashtami being observed as a dry day across the state.
The presence of popular tourist destinations such as Digha and Mandarmani is believed to have contributed to the increase. East Midnapore attracts tourists throughout the year, with visitor numbers rising during the festive season. The influx of holidaymakers is considered one of the factors behind the higher liquor sales.
According to data from the district Excise department, liquor worth around Rs 33 crore was sold during Durga Puja in 2025. This year, sales between Panchami and Dashami reached Rs 52.71 crore, making East Midnapore the leading district in liquor sales during the festive period.
Traders said the total could have crossed Rs 60 crore had liquor shops remained open on Ashtami. The estimate, however, is based on their assessment of potential sales.
The rise was reflected across liquor categories. Sales of foreign liquor increased from 2.28 lakh litre during last year's Puja to 3.13 lakh litre this year. Country liquor sales rose from 3.30 lakh litre to 4.60 lakh litre.
Beer sales also registered an increase, climbing from 3.10 lakh litre last year to 3.24 lakh litre this year.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.