Kolkata/IBNS, Aug. 29 -- Amid backlash over its proposed guidelines for Durga Puja committees, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has issued a clarification on its recommendations concerning West Bengal's biggest festival.

In a fresh message, Nirgunananda Brahmachari, a member of the VHP's central advisory council, said his remarks were primarily aimed at maintaining the sanctity of puja pandals and preserving the motherly representation of Goddess Durga.

Defending what he described as the Sanatani traditions associated with Durga Puja, Brahmachari clarified that the VHP was not opposed to theme-based pandals as such, but objected to what it considers distorted representations of the deity.

Addressing the controversy over the VHP's appeal...