Call to keep Durga Pujas in West Bengal vegetarian kicks up a storm
A controversy has emerged in West Bengal following calls from Hindutva organizations to ban non-vegetarian food near Durga Puja pandals. While some religious leaders and the VHP advocate for this to maintain sanctity, the move has sparked debate over the imposition of vegetarianism in the state.
Why it matters
The issue touches on the intersection of religious practice, cultural identity, and political influence in West Bengal.
A controversy has erupted in Bengal with calls from various quarters for non-vegetarian food to be kept away from Durga Puja pandals. Hindutva organisations and religious preachers are now appealing for only vegetarian food to be served near pandals.
On August 26, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad issued an advisory stating that non-vegetarian food should be kept away from Durga Puja pandals to maintain the sanctity of the religious festival. While the row over the advisory was raging, the chief priest of Bageshwar Dham, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, made a similar appeal on Sunday.
“I am appealing to the Hindus of Bengal, that during Navratri, even if you don’t keep the idols of the Goddess, do not sell non-veg near the idols,” the self-styled godman said in Kolkata.
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