Full Breakdown
The Durga Puja Food-Culture Row: Bageshwar Baba’s Remarks, Political Reactions, and Traditional Puja Practices
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Religious Leader’s Call and Immediate Fallout
During a three-day Hanuman Katha programme in Liluah, Howrah, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri—known as Bageshwar Baba—urged Hindus not to cook or sell fish or meat near Durga Puja pandals, calling such food “dirty” and labeling eaters “pakhandi.” The early-September comments sparked protests, police complaints and arrests across Kolkata.
Background & Context: Traditional Non-Veg Practices in Kolkata’s Bonedi Bari Pujas
Kolkata’s aristocratic Durga Pujas have long included meat and fish in their ritual meals. Representatives of three historic puja committees—the 35th-generation Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family (417 years), the 8th-generation Raja Naba Krishna Deb lineage (initiated 1790), and the 220-year-old Darjipara Mitra Bari puja—affirmed that non-veg dishes remain part of daily offerings, except on Ashtami.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the seer’s remarks are personal opinion and that individuals may accept or reject them. He directed the Kolkata Police commissioner to arrest those who burned the preacher’s photographs. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya defended the Bengali diet, noting fish on Ashtami and mutton on Navami. Bageshwar Baba later clarified his objection was to animal sacrifice and meat consumption near puja sites, not to personal dietary choices.
Criticism & Opposition: Congress Actions and Arrests
The Indian National Congress lodged police complaints, accusing the preacher of hate speech and insulting Bengali culture. On September 8, Congress general secretary Atanu Das was arrested after activists burned the seer’s photograph. Congress leaders, including Subhankar Sarkar, condemned the arrests as evidence of selective enforcement, pointing out that no action had been taken against the preacher.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- FIR Status: Some reports said FIRs were filed at several stations (New Market, Park Street, Amherst Street, Bowbazar) but not formalised; others indicated a formal FIR at Bhowanipore against a protester.
- Arrest Details: The Indian Express named Atanu Das as the arrested leader; Mathrubhumi referenced Atanu Saha, a South Kolkata district secretary. No source confirmed further arrests.
Verbatim Quotes (selected)
- “How can the chief minister talk about arrest in the Assembly and within hours our leader is picked up from his home? There are laws,” — Subhankar Sarkar, Bengal Congress chief
Timeline
- September 8: Congress protest; photographs of the preacher burned; Atanu Das arrested.
- October 6 (scheduled): West Bengal’s two-seat Assembly by-polls.
What's Next
The chief minister has ordered continued police action against image-burning, while Congress plans further statewide agitation. Baba’s clarification may shift the debate toward legal interpretations of hate speech versus religious expression as Durga Puja approaches.