Kolkata’s Bonedi Bari Durga Pujas stick to ‘non-veg’; reject Bageshwar Baba’s ‘veg only’ push
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Aristocratic Kolkata households are resisting Bageshwar Baba’s push for vegetarianism during Durga Puja, asserting their long-standing non-vegetarian traditions. The controversy has sparked political protests and police investigations, highlighting a clash between local cultural identity and external religious directives.
The Cultural Clash Over Durga Puja Traditions
As the Durga Puja festival approaches, a significant cultural confrontation has emerged in West Bengal. At the heart of the tension is a directive from Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, commonly known as Bageshwar Baba, who has urged devotees to abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food—specifically fish and meat—during the festivities. This call has been met with immediate and firm resistance from the city’s Bonedi Bari (aristocratic households), which have preserved centuries-old traditions that include non-vegetarian offerings and practices.
Defending Ancestral Customs
Representatives of these historic households, such as Srimant Roy Chowdhury, have underscored the autonomy of their 417-year-old Puja traditions. The consensus among these families is that their religious practices are deeply rooted in lineage and heritage, and they view any external pressure to alter these customs as an infringement on their identity. By rejecting the 'vegetarian only' diktat, these families are asserting that local cultural practices take precedence over the mandates of modern self-styled godmen.
Political Polarization and Protests
The debate has transcended religious discourse, spilling directly into the political arena. The controversy intensified following remarks made by Mr. Shastri regarding Bengali culture and food habits, which triggered public demonstrations. Notably, West Bengal Congress general secretary Ashutosh Chatterjee has been summoned by the Bhawanipur police regarding a protest on September 8, where a photograph of the preacher was allegedly burned. This development illustrates the volatile intersection of religious commentary and political activism in the state.
Security and Public Backlash
Beyond the ideological battle, the events involving Bageshwar Baba have faced logistical and security challenges. A recent religious gathering at the Liluah workshop ground in Howrah, led by Mr. Shastri, became the site of a criminal incident when a resident reported the theft of her gold chain. This incident adds a layer of public safety concern to the broader controversy, suggesting that the heightened tensions surrounding the preacher’s visits may be overshadowing the intended spiritual nature of such congregations.
Broader Implications for Bengal
The situation highlights a growing friction between localized, community-specific religious traditions and a more centralized, standardized form of devotional practice being promoted by outside figures. For many in Bengal, Durga Puja is not merely a religious event but a pillar of regional identity where food, community, and history are inextricably linked. The resistance shown by the Bonedi Bari suggests that attempts to homogenize these traditions will likely continue to face strong pushback from those who view such efforts as an affront to their fundamental rights and ancestral legacy.
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