New Delhi, Oct. 17 -- West Bengal's Durga Puja economy is showing a widening divide between large organisers and smaller community celebrations, even as the number of pujas across the state increases.

Government data showed that 13,000 more pujas were organised this year than last year. However, the commercial benefits of the festive season remained uneven, with major puja committees, shopping malls, organised retailers and e-commerce platforms reporting brisk business, while smaller organisers, traditional markets and hawkers struggled to keep pace, news agency PTI reported.

Large and established puja organisers reported fully booked outdoor advertising slots, with rates rising by at least 20% amid the growing use of LED displays. Smal...