Fish Bhog at Kalighat: Suvendu Adhikari Makes His Stand Clear Amid Religious Food Debate

Suvendu Adhikari Defends Non-Vegetarian Food Traditions at Kalighat Temple

Amid the controversy over Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri’s appeal to Bengali Hindus to avoid non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has made his own position on religious food practices clear.

On the occasion of Kaushiki Amavasya, Adhikari visited the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata and offered prayers. He later sat on the floor and participated in the temple’s traditional bhog, which included fish head, fried fish and basanti pulao.

The episode has drawn attention because fish is deeply associated with Bengali food culture and is also offered as bhog at several Shakti temples in Bengal. Adhikari’s participation therefore comes amid an ongoing debate over whether Bengali Hindus should follow vegetarian practices during major Hindu festivals.

What did Suvendu Adhikari say?

Adhikari has previously emphasised that food habits are closely connected with Bengal’s religious and cultural traditions. His participation in the traditional Kalighat bhog was seen as a clear indication that he does not view eating fish as incompatible with Hindu religious practices in Bengal.

The controversy began after Dhirendra Krishna Shastri urged Bengali Hindus to refrain from eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. His remarks triggered reactions in Bengal, where fish is an integral part of traditional cuisine and has religious and cultural significance.

The issue has subsequently become part of the wider Bengal political debate, involving questions of religion, regional identity, cultural traditions and personal food choices.