New Delhi: A new controversy has arisen in West Bengal regarding food before Durga Puja. Dhirendra Krishna Shastri of Bageshwar Dham objected to non-veg food being prepared around Durga Puja pandals during Hanuman Katha organised in Howrah. He said that he does not like non-vegetarian food being cooked behind pandals or under thrones during Navratri. He also appealed to the people of Bengal to boycott such people.
What did Dhirendra Shastri say about pandals?
Dhirendra Shastri said that as soon as Navratri arrives, Durga Puja pandals are set up at various places in Bengal. According to him, at many places non-veg and other types of food are prepared behind the pandals. Expressing his displeasure over this, he said that he does not like this arrangement. Shastri appealed to the people that this time during Navratri, distance should be maintained from such people and they should be boycotted.
Did he not consider those who eat non-veg as religious?
In his statement, Shastri did not limit the issue to just food. He said that he would not consider those who call themselves religious but cook this kind of food behind the Durga Puja pandal as religious. He even called such people hypocrites. After his statement, the debate regarding the food traditions during Durga Puja has intensified in West Bengal.
What is the tradition regarding food during Durga Puja of Bengal?
Durga Puja of Bengal is not only a religious event but also a big part of the social and cultural identity there. The traditions of enjoyment and food are not the same in different families and puja committees. At many places, completely vegetarian food is offered, while in some old family pujas, there is a tradition of non-vegetarian food. This is the reason why the discussion around the pandal regarding the appeal to ban non-veg or keep it separate is being held not only at the religious but also at the cultural level.
Had such an appeal been made before also regarding non-veg?
Dhirendra Shastri’s statement is not a sudden issue. Earlier, Vishwa Hindu Parishad had also appealed to Durga Puja organisers in West Bengal to stay away from non-veg food in and around the pandals. However, the organisation had clarified that it is not demanding a complete ban on non-veg food in Bengal. He said that if non-veg is sold then a separate place can be allotted for it from the pandal.
Why is there a debate on Dhirendra Shastri’s statement?
After this statement, the question is arising whether there should be any separate arrangement for food and drinks around the puja pandal or it should be left to the puja committees and local people. The use of fish and other non-vegetarian food has long been a part of the culinary culture in Bengal. On the other hand, religious organisations argue that religious decorum and cleanliness should be maintained around the idol of the goddess. Both sides have their own arguments and that is why the matter is also taking the form of a political debate.
Has the government imposed any restrictions regarding non-veg?
Till now, no such binding order has come from the West Bengal government, in which there is a statewide ban on non-veg food during Durga Puja. In such a situation, at present only the respective puja committees decide the arrangements for bhog and food in the pandals. Dhirendra Shastri’s appeal is being seen in this context. More reactions may emerge from political parties and puja committees on this issue in the coming days.
What is the politics of Bengal behind the statement?
Dhirendra Shastri has reached West Bengal at a time when religious and cultural issues are already a part of political discussion in the state. The presence of many BJP leaders in his program and the political support he is getting has also brought this statement into further discussion.
However, BJP has made it clear that the presence of leaders in a religious leader’s program does not mean that the party is responsible for his every statement. In such a situation, an eye will be kept on whether this controversy related to Durga Puja goes beyond religious tradition and becomes a political issue in the coming days.
