On the social media, Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen shared pictures of her guest Durga Puja Pandals. Her contribution claims that Hindu culture is the basis of Bengal culture.
Taslima Nasreen, Muslim since the birth and atheist of the choice, is well known for criticism of Islamic fundamentalism. However, it insists that they oppose all forms of religious extremism and patriarchy.
In his contribution, Taslim claims that Bengal, regardless of their religion, shares a cultural identity rooted in Hindu traditions. According to her, even Bengal Muslims cannot claim that their culture comes from Arabia.
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“Although Bengali is a Muslim, his culture is not a culture of Arabia. His culture is a Bengal culture and this culture is rooted in Hindi tradition,” she wrote.
“The beatings of drums, music, dances – these are the initial expressions of Bengal culture. That means being Bengal. It means denying,” she added.
Her Twitter (now x) has attracted many comments. One of them came from Javed Akhtar. The famous poet writer responded by praising Bengal literature and culture. However, they believe that people should also respect ganga-jami Tehzeeb from Awadhu.
Akhtar points out that Awadho’s traditions reflect Persian and Central Asian influences absorbed in Indian terms, not Arab culture.
“BTW many surnames Bangali is in Persian,” added Javed Akhtar.
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Taslima replied that while Persian words entered the Bengal during the period of the Sultanate and Mugal, most of the language came from Sanskrit and Prakrit. While it recognizes Persian, Arab, Turkic, English, Portuguese, Dutch and other influences, it calls Bengal culture “for centuries shaped by Hindu traditions”.
“Cultures from Persia, Arabia, Central Asia and later from the West have certainly influenced Bengal’s culture. Yet Bengal Hindu traditions remain dominant. Our music, dance, food and clothing are still largely rooted in Hindu practices, even though these traditions have evolved significantly over time.”
Taslima the loss of controversy
Taslima’s novel Lajja was banned in Bangladesh in 1993. It caused violent protests and blaing accusations. In India, her autobiography of Dwikhandito in West Bengal was banned for alleged injury to Muslim sentiment.
Also read | “India is my second…”: author Taslima Nasreen appeals to amit shah “years to stay”
During her career, Taslima faced several lawsuits, censorship requirements and repeated threats of death. Fatwas and attacks forced her to exile first from Bangladesh, later from West Bengal.
Her open opinions were offended by religious leaders, politicians and even writers throughout South Asia. Since 2011,
Taslima Nasreen lives in Delhi. In 2024, she received an expansion of her long -term residence permit from the Indian government.
“The world of thank you,” wrote the author, named the Minister of the Interior Amit Shah.
(Tagstotranslate) durga puja 2025
