2 days ago
VHP Clarifies Durga Puja Advice Was Not About Food
A report said the VHP wanted Bengalis to eat only satvik vegetarian food during Durga Puja.
The VHP said that report was misinformation.
It said no food ban or directive was discussed at its August 26 meeting.
According to the group, the meeting concerned satvik rituals, clean surroundings and hygienic food stalls.
It also asked that pandal themes respect Indian culture and religious feelings.
The VHP said it does not oppose vegetarian or non-vegetarian food habits.
Sukanta Majumdar said themed pujas have existed in Bengal for a long time.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Kunal Ghosh described food and participation as part of Bengal’s traditions, while urging care in discussing the issue.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad denied reports that it sought a satvik vegetarian diet during Durga Puja.
VHP said its August 26 meeting discussed satvik rituals, pandal themes and cleanliness—not food restrictions.
The group said themes should not conflict with Indian culture, spirituality, national morale or religious sentiments.
VHP stated it does not oppose vegetarian or non-vegetarian food habits and issues no directives resembling fatwas.
Political leaders cited Bengal’s longstanding Durga Puja traditions while urging caution over the sensitive issue.
- Who
- The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, represented by Amiya Sarkar, issued the clarification; Sukanta Majumdar, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Kunal Ghosh also commented.
- What
- VHP denied reports that it directed Bengalis to follow a satvik vegetarian diet during Durga Puja.
- Where
- The discussion concerned Durga Puja organisers in Bengal and West Bengal; the meeting’s precise location was not specified.
- When
- The disputed meeting took place on August 26; VHP said misinformation had circulated for the previous two or three days.
- Why
- VHP said it wanted to correct misinformation and clarify that its requests concerned rituals, pandal themes and cleanliness rather than food restrictions.
VHP’s Clarification
Cultural and Political Views
Was food restriction discussed?
VHP’s Clarification
VHP said the August 26 meeting did not discuss food, issued no vegetarian directive and does not oppose vegetarian or non-vegetarian habits.
Cultural and Political Views
The reports circulating in media and social media claimed that organisers or Bengalis were being asked to follow a satvik vegetarian diet, prompting the public debate.
Food and Durga Puja traditions
VHP’s Clarification
VHP said its concern was cleanliness around pandals and hygiene at food stalls, not banning particular foods.
Cultural and Political Views
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said rituals can include sacrifices and that non-vegetarian food, including mutton, is part of demand during Durga Puja; Kunal Ghosh said non-vegetarian food is not eaten inside puja pandals.
Pandal themes
VHP’s Clarification
VHP said themes are acceptable but should not oppose Indian culture, spirituality or national morale, or hurt religious sentiments.
Cultural and Political Views
Sukanta Majumdar noted that themed Durga Pujas have been organised in Bengal for a long time and said puja rituals and themes should be treated distinctly.
Key facts
- Organisation
- Vishwa Hindu Parishad
- Meeting date
- August 26
- Reported claim
- VHP had asked Bengalis to follow a satvik vegetarian diet during Durga Puja.
- VHP clarification
- No food directive or ban was issued or discussed, according to Amiya Sarkar.
- Pandal guidance
- Themes should not hurt religious sentiments or conflict with Indian culture, spirituality and national morale.
- Cleanliness request
- VHP asked organisers to keep areas around pandals clean and food stalls hygienic.
- Political reactions
- Leaders discussed Bengal’s traditions, themed pujas and the place of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food during the festival.
Quotes
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
Congress leader from West Bengal
“The VHP wants to make it clear that it is not against theme-based Durga Puja. Neither did we discuss this (food) issue during that meeting. We wish to clarify that we have issued no such directive. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad does not issue fatwas.”
NDTV
“Durga Puja is Bengal's identity. This is the culture and tradition of our Bengal. During Durga Puja, while performing rituals, sacrifices are offered, and non-vegetarian food is consumed. Non-vegetarian food means there is a demand for mutton.”
NDTV
Sources
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