📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Goutam1962
Religion
West Bengal Faces Row Over Durga Puja Food Practices, Issues New Directives and Grants
✍️ India Today
🗓 08 Sep 2026, 10:18 AM
👁 43
A dispute over traditional food habits during Durga Puja has led the West Bengal government to release fresh guidelines and announce financial assistance for puja committees.
A controversy has erupted in West Bengal over the food habits observed during the annual Durga Puja celebrations. Cultural groups and local authorities have clashed over which traditional dishes should be served, prompting a public debate about preserving heritage while adhering to modern standards.
In response, the state government issued a set of directives aimed at standardising food offerings across puja pandals. The guidelines call for compliance with health and safety norms and seek to balance traditional culinary practices with contemporary regulatory requirements.
Alongside the directives, the administration announced a financial grant scheme to support puja committees in implementing the new measures. The grants are intended to offset costs related to food preparation, hygiene compliance, and any necessary infrastructure upgrades.
Officials said the combined approach of regulation and financial aid is designed to maintain the cultural essence of Durga Puja while ensuring public health and safety during the festivities.
In response, the state government issued a set of directives aimed at standardising food offerings across puja pandals. The guidelines call for compliance with health and safety norms and seek to balance traditional culinary practices with contemporary regulatory requirements.
Alongside the directives, the administration announced a financial grant scheme to support puja committees in implementing the new measures. The grants are intended to offset costs related to food preparation, hygiene compliance, and any necessary infrastructure upgrades.
Officials said the combined approach of regulation and financial aid is designed to maintain the cultural essence of Durga Puja while ensuring public health and safety during the festivities.