Kolkata, Aug. 27 -- The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has reportedly urged Durga Puja organisers in Bengal to follow traditional rituals and preserve the religious sanctity of the five-day festival, while opposing "distorted" idol designs in the name of themes.
At a meeting with major Puja organisers and priests at Salt Lake's EZCC, the organisation also sought a ban on non-vegetarian food inside pandal premises.
The VHP criticised earlier themes depicting Durga as a widow and using shoes and broken glass in pandal artwork, insisting that the idols of Durga and the Asura should conform to scriptural descriptions.
It also appealed to visitors not to photograph unfinished idols. The organisation announced special non-monetary awards for Puja committees and priests who adhere strictly to traditional norms.
Anjan Ukil of the Forum for Durgotsav said most committees already follow established rituals and that the VHP's recommendations would be discussed at the forum's next meeting. The forum represents over 10,000 Puja committees in Kolkata and adjoining areas. With Agency inputs
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.