VHP Denies Mandating ‘Satvik’ Diet for Durga Puja Amid Growing Online Debate
Kolkata: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has officially dismissed reports suggesting that the organization issued directives requiring Bengalis to adopt a vegetarian, or ‘satvik,’ diet during the upcoming Durga Puja festivities.
The clarification follows days of intense speculation and heated discourse on social media, which claimed the right-wing group had attempted to impose dietary restrictions on the state’s biggest cultural festival.
Amiya Sarkar, secretary of the VHP’s eastern region, addressed the controversy on Tuesday, stating that a segment of the media and social media platforms had been circulating misinformation regarding an August 26 meeting between the organization and Durga Puja organizers.
“The VHP wants to make it clear that it is not against theme-based Durga Puja. Neither did we discuss this food issue during that meeting,” Sarkar asserted. “We wish to clarify that we have issued no such directive. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad does not issue fatwas.”
Sarkar emphasized that the organization’s actual request to Puja committees was centered on maintaining the sanctity of the festival. He urged organizers to ensure that chosen themes for pandals do not run counter to Indian culture, national morale, or religious sentiments. Furthermore, he clarified that the organization’s stance on food was limited to general hygiene, requesting that the vicinity of pandals be kept clean and that food stalls adhere to strict sanitary standards.
“The VHP has already made its stand clear that there should be no ban on veg or non-veg food habits,” he added.
Political Reactions
The controversy has drawn comment from across the political spectrum, highlighting the deep cultural significance of the festival in West Bengal.
Union Minister and former West Bengal BJP chief, Sukanta Majumdar, distanced the party from the speculation, noting that the VHP operates as an independent organization. “I know Durga pujas are organized around themes for a long time in Bengal. The VHP has also said Puja and themes should be different. Everyone makes an effort to ensure that the rituals for the Puja are carried out,” Majumdar stated.
Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury staunchly defended the Bengali tradition, noting that the consumption of non-vegetarian food, including mutton, is a recognized part of the festive experience for many. “Durga Puja is Bengal’s identity. This is the culture and tradition of our Bengal,” Chowdhury said, adding that he personally follows no such restrictive dietary code.
Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh also weighed in on the sensitivity of the topic, urging caution in public discourse. “Durga puja is the beauty of Bengal, in which everyone can participate. It is our practice that no one eats non-veg food inside puja pandals,” Ghosh said, noting that while decorum within the religious space is expected, broader dietary policing is not part of the state’s cultural ethos.
As the debate cools, the VHP continues to face scrutiny over its influence on local cultural practices, even as the organization attempts to distance itself from the misinformation that ignited the controversy.
