Dhirendra Shastri: Kolkata. Controversy has arisen in West Bengal regarding non-vegetarian food before Durga Puja. West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya has reacted to the appeal of Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri to abstain from non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. He said that no outsider can decide what the people of Bengal will eat and wear.
What did Dhirendra Shastri say?
Recently, during a religious program in Howrah, West Bengal, Dhirendra Shastri appealed to avoid non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. According to reports, he also raised objection over the sale or consumption of non-vegetarian food in puja pandals and around the goddess idol. He appealed to the people to perform puja as per their religious beliefs and avoid non-vegetarian food during Navratri. After his statement, a debate started in West Bengal regarding religious traditions, food habits and personal preferences.
Bengal BJP President replied
On the appeal of Dhirendra Shastri, West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya made it clear that the party does not support any such compulsory food system. Bhattacharya said that any person can advocate vegetarianism, but cannot impose his choice on Bengali society.
Citing the traditional food culture of Bengal, he said that people will eat only what they have traditionally eaten. He also said that the decision about what to eat, drink and wear is a matter of personal choice and no saint, leader or political party has the right to impose it on people.
Durga Puja and food traditions of Bengal
Durga Puja in Bengal is not only a religious event but also a big cultural festival. Here, traditions to food during puja may be different in different families and communities. Referring to the traditions of Bengal, Samik Bhattacharya said that during Ashtami and Navami, different types of food traditions are seen here.
He also mentioned the tradition of offering non-vegetarian offerings to Goddess Kali. Therefore, it would not be correct for the whole of Bengal to say that everyone eats the same type of food during Durga Puja. Religious rituals and food traditions may vary according to family, community and method of worship.
Why did the controversy increase?
The root of this entire controversy is not just the question of eating non-veg or veg. Behind this, issues like Bengal’s cultural identity, religious traditions and personal freedom of eating and drinking are also . Some people are linking Dhirendra Shastri’s appeal with religious discipline and sanctity of worship.
On the other hand, his critics say that Bengal has diversity in food in its religious and cultural traditions. For this reason, this matter now goes beyond religious appeal. culture vs personal choice Has taken the form of a debate.
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