Calls to Keep Durga Puja Pandals Vegetarian Spark Controversy in West Bengal
· India · The Hindu, India Today
A controversy has erupted in West Bengal after Hindutva organisations and religious preachers appealed for non-vegetarian food to be kept away from Durga Puja pandals. On August 26, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad issued an advisory stating that non-vegetarian food should be restricted to designated areas away from puja venues to maintain festival sanctity. Chief Priest of Bageshwar Dham Dhirendra Krishna Shastri reiterated this appeal during a Kolkata event, urging Hindus not to sell non-veg near idols during Navratri. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari shared the stage with Shastri and invited him to open a Bageshwar Dham centre in the state. The VHP leadership stated that the advisory is not going to be strictly enforced.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights cultural and religious debates surrounding festival traditions in West Bengal, drawing involvement from political figures and religious groups.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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