‘Buy biryani from Hindu shops’ poster campaign sparks row in Bengal’s Siliguri ahead of Durga Puja

An artisan paints the eyes of a clay idol of Goddess Durga October 11, 2026 | Photo credit: PTI

A poster campaign by the Hindu Jagaran Manch urging people to buy biryani and puja from Hindu-owned shops has sparked controversy in the largest city in northern West Bengal.

The posters were put up across the city by the Hindu Jagaran Manch, an affiliate of the RSS, ahead of the Durga Puja festivities.

Within | Kumartuli: where clay comes alive

Expert moves: While some workshops maintain the traditional shabeki style, others experiment with contemporary designs to meet specific orders.

Work in progress: Ahead of Durga Puja, artisans perfect the clay idols of Goddess Durga, Lord Ganesha and other deities at Kumartuli in Kolkata.

Priming: An artisan sprays paint on a clay idol in Kumartuli, where few women have broken barriers to take up the traditionally male-dominated craft.

Divine details: The idols cost between ₹50,000 and ₹3,000, depending on their size, with production costs being environmentally friendly.

Decked out to impress: People throng to photograph the idol of Goddess Durga as it prepares to be transported from Kumartuli.

Form to faith: Artisans breathe life into clay idols that will soon grace puja pandals and move devotees

Shaped by time: For many artisan families, idol-making is a generations-old tradition, with Durga Puja believed to have been first celebrated in Krishnanagar in Nadia district in 1606.

Festive Atmosphere: One of Kolkata’s most celebrated festivals, Durga Puja brings communities together to celebrate faith while providing sustenance for many.

Young fans: Visitors take selfies and pose next to unfinished idols of Goddess Durga at Kumartula.

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The organization said messages like “Eat biryani at a Hindu shop” and “Buy puja items from Hindu shops” are not dictates.

Hindu Jagaran Manch member Abhishek Das, who is leading the campaign, said: “This is not a dictate but a challenge. If people support Hindu-run businesses, it will also impact the local economy.”

Senior CPI(M) leader and former minister Asok Bhattacharya demanded police action against those behind the posters.

“Putting up such posters is a crime in a secular, democratic nation. The administration should not only remove the posters but also arrest those behind this communal campaign,” Mr. Bhattacharya said.

The BJP leader said that the Hindu Jagaran Manch was an independent organization and that the ruling party had no involvement in the campaign.

The posters drew criticism from a section of residents who said Bengalis traditionally enjoy biryani without asking the religious identity of the person preparing it.

They also pointed out that many of the artisans involved in making Durga Puja materials, including shola (pith) decorations, were Muslims and described the call as against the spirit of free thinking and Bengali social traditions.

Left-wing parties also criticized the campaign, arguing that the constitution guarantees equal rights to people of all religions and that religion should not determine a person’s livelihood.

Published – 11 Oct 2026 21:36 IST