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Vishwa Hindu Parishad urges traditional practices for Durga Puja in West Bengal
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called on Durga Puja organisers in West Bengal to adhere to traditional Sanatan practices and scriptural norms during the upcoming festival. During a meeting with priests and organisers in Salt Lake, the organization urged committees to maintain the religious sanctity and purity of the celebrations.
A key proposal from the VHP is the prohibition of non-vegetarian food within the immediate premises of puja pandals. The organization clarified that it does not seek to change Bengal’s food culture, noting that non-vegetarian food is not prohibited entirely; rather, they suggested that such food be sold in designated stalls outside the pandals to ensure the area around the deity remains clean.
The VHP also expressed opposition to modern artistic themes that they claim distort the traditional appearance of Goddess Durga idols. They emphasized that idols should reflect their original scriptural descriptions rather than being modified for artistic expression. Additionally, the organization challenged the inclusive cultural sentiment that festivals belong to everyone, arguing instead that festivals belong to the respective faiths that observe them.
Entities
Mamata Banerjee · Nirgunananda · Swarup Chatterjee · Vishwa Hindu Parishad · West Bengal
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The VHP requested that non-vegetarian food be prohibited inside puja pandal premises. theobserverpost.com · scroll.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] The VHP opposes the use of artistic themes that distort the traditional appearance of Durga idols. theobserverpost.com · www.nationalheraldindia.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The VHP proposed that festivals belong to the respective faith rather than being universal. www.nationalheraldindia.com · scroll.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] Non-vegetarian food stalls may operate in designated areas outside or near the pandals. theobserverpost.com · scroll.in
- [● 3 SOURCES] The VHP has urged Durga Puja organisers in West Bengal to follow traditional religious practices. theobserverpost.com · www.nationalheraldindia.com · scroll.in