India
oi-Ashish Rana
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri also known as Bageshwar Dham Baba has stirred a new controversy and debate after objecting preparation of non-vegetarian food near Durga Puja pandals. While speaking at Hanuman Katha programme in Howrah, Dhirendra Shastri said the practice during Navratri was something he found offensive and has appealed to people in Bengal to stay away from those who have continued it.
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri objected to non-vegetarian food near Durga Puja pandals, calling it hypocritical. The VHP clarified it did not mandate vegetarian food, denying reports of restrictions and stating its focus is hygiene and appropriate festival themes.
Now his comment has come after the ongoing discussions over religions practices, food and the way Durga Puja is being conducted in West Bengal.
What Dhirendra Shastri Said About Durga Puja
During his address to the people, Dhirendra Shastri said he was specially uncomfortable with non-vegetarian food being made behind Durga Puja pandals or the area of pandals.
He also made controversial comment by saying the people who does these things in religions places should not be considered religious at all. Dhirendra Shastri mentioned this as hypocrisy and asked the Hindus in West Bengal to stay alert during Navratri and boycott people who disrespect the religious setting around Durga Puja.
Now his remark has started a new controversy at the time when West Bengal is preparing for this year’s Durga Puja in October.
#BREAKING During a #HanumatKatha in #Howrah #BageshwarDham Dhirendra Krishna Shastri criticized actor #SwaraBhasker over her remarks on #Jauhar calling it an act of valour and devotion rather than cowardice
@BageshwarDhamSarkar @WBPolice
#DhirendraShastri #SwaraBhasker #WB pic.twitter.com/qn6XW4eXAs— jarvis ☠️ (@Vishii14) September 7, 2026
VHP Clarifies Its Position on Food
This controversial statement came just after Vishwa Hindu Parishad faced criticism over reports that they have asked Durga Puja celebrations in Bengal to follow a strict vegetarian diet.
However, later VHP’s eastern region secretary Amiya Sarkar rejected all the claims. He said that their meeting on 26 August with Puja organisers had been portrayed wrongly about the food restrictions.
“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,” he said. “We wish to clarify that we have issued no such directive. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad does not issue fatwas,” he added.
VHP Says No Ban on Veg or Non-Veg Food
Amiya Sarkar said the organisation had already made it clear that it is not seeking a ban on either vegetarian or non-vegetarian food habits. According to him, the only focus was to maintain cleaning around Puja venues and making sure that food stalls also follow proper hygiene.
It all started after VHP’s 26 August meeting with Puja Pandal organisers, he said, dealt with Satvik rituals and the themes that will be decided for Puja pandals. Organisers have been asked to ensure that themes they use should not go “against the Indian culture, its spirituality and national morale. Religious sentiments should not be hurt”.
