Ramayana film declared tax-free in West Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that Ramayana: Rise of a Legend will be tax-free in West Bengal. He made the announcement on 20 October 2026 at a Dussehra event at Central Park in Salt Lake, Kolkata, with the film’s cast present, according to Business Today, Outlook and Deccan Chronicle.

A tax-free declaration means the state waives the tax on cinema tickets. This can make tickets cheaper. The exact effect on prices depends on how the decision is implemented, and no formal order was reported.

The film released worldwide on 5 November 2026. Readers can find more about it on the film page.

The story welcomes everyone

Goswami Tulsidas describes the Ram story as a source of rest for the wise and delight for all people:

बुध बिश्राम सकल जन रंजनि। रामकथा कलि कलुष बिभंजनि॥ रामकथा कलि पंनग भरनी। पुनि बिबेक पावक कहुँ अरनी॥३॥

Ramcharitmanas, Bal Kand, Doha 31, Chaupai 3

The story of Shri Ram gives rest to the wise, delights all people and destroys the impurities of the Kali age. It is a peahen to the serpent of Kali and the kindling wood that brings forth the fire of discernment.

The words सकल जन mean “all people”. We need no special learning to begin listening. The verse also speaks of discernment, the ability to see clearly and choose well. As we read, we can consider how the teaching bears on our own conduct.

A film is one way into the story. We can also read the Ramcharitmanas freely, beginning with Bal Kand. There is no ticket to buy. We can pause over a passage, read its meaning and return to it when we have time to reflect.

Read one chaupai today and sit quietly with its meaning for a minute.