Shastri's Durga Puja Food Remarks Spark West Bengal Controversy

Self-styled religious figure Dhirendra Krishna Shastri recently visited West Bengal and made remarks criticizing the consumption of non-vegetarian food near Durga Puja pandals. During his visit to the region, Shastri specifically addressed the culinary practices observed during the major autumn festival, describing the consumption of non-vegetarian food near the celebratory marquees as a hateful practice and stating his desire for the people of West Bengal to banish it entirely.

The comments quickly sparked widespread controversy across the state, drawing immediate responses and reactions from various political figures, religious experts, and prominent organizations. Among those addressing the fallout was BJP West Bengal state president Shamik Bhattacharya, who during a press conference held on September 7, moved to distance himself and his political party from Shastri's controversial remarks.

Addressing reporters during the September 7 press conference, Shamik Bhattacharya downplayed the outside commentary by asking why there should be so much worry about what someone from outside says. Bhattacharya noted that Bengalis generally eat mutton on Navami and luchis on Ashtami, stating that they will continue to eat just that. He added that Shastri is entitled to express his views, noting that people all over the world campaign in favor of being vegetarian or becoming vegan, and that one could similarly advocate for everyone to go eat mutton.

Bhattacharya further remarked that it is entirely up to the Bengali people whether or not they choose to give any importance to Shastri's words. Meanwhile, other political figures also weighed in on the unfolding discourse, with Mamata Banerjee alleging that the BJP would put a stop to the consumption of fish and meat if they ever came to power in the state.

Religious experts and traditional community representatives also responded to the controversy by highlighting long-standing regional practices. Swami Paratmanandaji Maharaj pointed out that Bengalis possess their own distinct religious style that is completely aligned with sacred texts, noting that according to the scriptures, the use of non-vegetarian food is witnessed during Durga Puja and any worship of Shakti. He emphasized that there is no trouble or dispute regarding this locally, and that a new atmosphere is being suddenly created suggesting that non-vegetarian food is forbidden in Shakti worship.

Furthermore, many traditional Bengali families practice offering non-vegetarian food or animal sacrifice during Durga Puja according to their centuries-old customs. These established culinary and ritual traditions are deeply rooted in heritage families across the region, including the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family, Chorbagan Chatterjee family, Patuakhola Banerjee family, Darjipara Mitra family, Mondal family, as well as institutions like Ramakrishna Mission and Chaitanya Deb.