Dhirendra Shastri's Non-Veg Ban Sermon Sparks Controversy in Bengal
· India · India Today, NDTV, LiveMint
Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri has triggered a backlash in West Bengal after urging Hindus to avoid non-vegetarian food near Durga Puja pandals. The preacher, who was in Howrah for a three-day religious event, stated that non-vegetarian items should not be sold near idols to maintain the sanctity of the festival. His remarks follow a similar advisory issued by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) last week, which also sought to restrict non-vegetarian food near puja sites. The comments have faced criticism from various sections of Bengali society, including those identifying as Hindu nationalists, who argue that such prescriptions conflict with the state's distinct religious and culinary traditions. West Bengal BJP president Shamik Bhattacharya clarified that while he considers Shastri a revered figure, the preacher's comments represent his personal views rather than an official party stance.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights a growing friction between traditional Bengali cultural practices and external religious prescriptions, impacting the communal atmosphere during the state's most significant festival.
Read the original report — India Today
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