Archive · 28 Aug 2026
VHP Calls for Traditional Durga Puja, Non-Veg Ban Inside
The Vishva Hindu Parishad, or VHP, held a meeting with Durga Puja organisers and priests.
It asked them to follow traditional religious customs.
The VHP did not want idols changed greatly for artistic themes.
It also asked organisers not to allow non-vegetarian food inside the festival pandals.
Food stalls outside the pandals would still be allowed.
The group asked people not to photograph idols before they were finished.
It said priests and committees following the rules could receive special awards.
A puja organisers’ forum said it would discuss the suggestions.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad urged Kolkata Durga Puja organisers to follow traditional rituals.
The VHP opposed themed idols it said distorted scriptural depictions of Goddess Durga and the Asura.
It called for a strict ban on non-vegetarian food inside pandal premises, while allowing stalls outside.
The organisation also asked visitors and organisers not to photograph half-finished idols.
The Forum for Durgotsav said most committees already follow proper rituals and will review the proposals.
- Who
- The Vishva Hindu Parishad, Durga Puja organisers, priests, and the Forum for Durgotsav.
- What
- The VHP issued recommendations on traditional idol designs, rituals, food restrictions, and photography during Durga Puja.
- When
- The meeting was held on Wednesday; the VHP functionary described the proposals on Thursday.
- Where
- At the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre in Salt Lake, near Kolkata, West Bengal.
- Why
- The VHP said the guidelines were intended to preserve Durga Puja’s religious sanctity, dignity, and traditional customs.
- Organisation issuing guidelines
- Vishva Hindu Parishad
- Meeting location
- Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Salt Lake
- Food recommendation
- No non-vegetarian food inside pandal premises; stalls outside or near pandals may operate.
- Idol recommendation
- Idols of Goddess Durga and the Asura should follow their original scriptural descriptions.
- Photography recommendation
- Visitors and organisers were urged not to photograph half-finished idols.
- Proposed incentive
- Special non-monetary awards for priests and committees following traditional norms.
- Forum membership
- The Forum for Durgotsav consists of more than 10,000 puja committees in Kolkata and nearby areas.