The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday issued guidelines ahead of Durga Puja in Bengal, urging organisers to return to traditional practices and ensure that non-vegetarian food is not sold or consumed in and around puja pandals.
The organisation clarified that it is not calling for a blanket ban on non-vegetarian food during the festivities, acknowledging that Durga Puja in Bengal has never been strictly vegetarian. However, it stressed that the sanctity of the goddess’s idol must be maintained and kept free from contact with non-vegetarian food.
“We are not saying that eating non-vegetarian food during the puja must stop completely. We are aware that the puja in Bengal has never been strictly vegetarian. However, the sanctity of the Mother Goddess’s idol must be preserved,” Nirgunananda, a member of the VHP’s central advisory council, told the media.
He said it was the duty of Sanatanis to protect the sanctity of the idol and maintain cleanliness in and around the pandal. If non-vegetarian food is sold during the festivities, it should be restricted to designated areas away from the puja venue, he said.
“If non-vegetarian food must be sold, it should be done at a designated location outside the puja pandal, ensuring that food scraps do not find their way into the pandal’s vicinity,” Nirgunananda said.
The VHP also indicated that it could intervene if puja committees fail to take steps to maintain the sanctity of the idol.
The organisation further objected to the argument that “religion is personal, but festivals are for everyone”, with Nirgunananda saying that Hindu religious customs should be upheld by Hindus.
“People of other faiths are certainly welcome to visit the puja pandals, but the responsibility of upholding Hindu religious customs lies solely with Hindus,” he said.
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Published By:
Shipra Parashar
Published On:
Aug 28, 2026 21:50 IST
