Blog: Non-Veg Is Not A Treat During Durga Puja. In Bengal, It Is Bhog
This blog post explores the cultural significance of non-vegetarian food during the Durga Puja festival in Bengal, arguing that it is a form of piety rather than a break from religious tradition. The author explains how meat and fish offerings are integrated into the worship of the Goddess as a daughter.
Why it matters
It provides cultural context to regional religious practices, challenging common misconceptions about vegetarianism and piety in Hindu traditions.
"I am a vegetarian Bengali," I told the priest.Seeing my devotion and chanting of mantras during Sandhi Puja on Maha Ashtami, the priest at the Mudiali Puja pandal in South Kolkata asked me, "Are you a Bengali?""I am a vegetarian Bengali," I underlined again.That sentence took many by surprise.As if Bengal and fish are one word. As if Durga Puja cannot be Durga Puja unless there is a piece of mutton on the plate and a silver hilsa on the thali.I grew up knowing both truths in the same location.In Bengal, Maa Durga does not come as a guest who must be wrapped in holiness.She comes as a daughter returning to her father's house. You do not put a daughter on a nine-day fast. You cook what the house knows how to cook. You cook what the river gave you.
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