Which scripture? Bengal govt's 11-armed Goddess Durga ad triggers political row
The West Bengal government is facing backlash after an advertisement for the 2026 Durga Puja depicted Goddess Durga with eleven arms instead of the traditional ten. Political parties, including the CPM and Trinamool Congress, have criticized the depiction as a distortion of Hindu scripture and an insult to religious sentiments.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the intersection of religious symbolism and political discourse in India, where minor errors in government communications can trigger significant public and political controversy.
An advertisement by the West Bengal government depicting Goddess Durga with eleven arms instead of the traditional ten, published in newspapers across the state today, has triggered a political row, with the CPM and Trinamool Congress accusing the BJP of mocking Hindu scriptures.According to Hindu sacred texts, Goddess Durga possesses ten arms and is worshipped in her Dashabhuja form. However, the advertisement released on Monday by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs for a meeting with Puja committees regarding the 2026 Durga Puja at Milan Mela, where the Chief Minister is expected to be present, shows the goddess with eleven arms.The depiction of the extra arm and weapon, which does not align with Puranic descriptions, has triggered controversy, with political parties questioning the BJP's intentions behind the advertisement.Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh posted a sarcastic comment on the advertisement.He wrote, "No themes allowed, no distortions permitted...I witnessed a barrage of…
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in