Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:26pm on 08 Sep 2026,Tuesday India
A controversy has erupted in West Bengal over calls to keep non-vegetarian food away from Durga Puja pandals. Hindutva organisations and religious preachers have appealed for vegetarian food to be served in and around Puja venues. The debate intensified after Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri urged people to keep non-vegetarian food away from Durga idols during the festival. His remarks have drawn criticism from sections of Bengali Hindus, including some who identify as Hindu nationalists. The Indian Express spoke to people in Kolkata to understand public opinion, with many highlighting Bengal’s distinct food traditions and cultural practices.
