VHP Denies Issuing Any Food Directive For Durga Puja, Calls Reports Misinformation
VHP refutes claims it urged a satvik diet during Durga Puja, saying only themes and cleanliness were discussed.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has denied reports claiming it urged Bengalis to follow a satvik vegetarian diet during Durga Puja, dismissing such claims as misinformation.
Amiya Sarkar, secretary of the VHP's eastern region, said a section of media and social media has been spreading false information about a meeting held on August 26 with Durga Puja organisers. He clarified that the discussion at the meeting was only about following satvik rituals, not food restrictions.
"We wish to clarify that we have issued no such directive. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad does not issue fatwas," Sarkar said. He added that the VHP is not against theme-based Durga Puja and did not discuss the food issue during the meeting.
Sarkar said the VHP only requested that puja themes not be "against the Indian culture, its spirituality and national morale," and that religious sentiments should not be hurt. He reiterated that the organisation has already made its stand clear that there should be no ban on veg or non-veg food habits.
The VHP also urged organisers to keep the vicinity in and around puja pandals clean, including food stalls.
The clarification comes amid a heated social media debate on the matter. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar noted that Durga Pujas in Bengal have long been organised around themes, and that rituals are carried out as per tradition.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury defended Bengal's cultural practices, saying non-vegetarian food is consumed during Durga Puja as part of rituals. "Durga Puja is Bengal's identity," he said, adding that he is "everything" when asked about his dietary preference.
Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh urged caution in commenting on the sensitive issue, noting that while no one eats non-veg food inside puja pandals, the festival is Bengal's beauty in which everyone can participate.