Kolkata: In a controversial move, the Trinamool Congress-run Nabadwip Municipality has issued a directive to not sell and consuming fish and meat for three days starting March 14, on the occasion of Holi.
The official justification for the directive is to shield tourists from the “disturbing sight of bloodshed” caused by the open slaughter and sale of meat and fish.
Located on the bank of the Hooghly river in Nadia district, Nabadwip is the birthplace of Chaitanya Mahapraphu, a revered 16th-century saint and the founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. It is a major pilgrimage site for Vaishnavas, drawing devotees from across the world, especially during Dol Jatra (a celebration similar to and coinciding with Holi), when the town bustles with grand processions, kirtans, and vibrant religious celebrations.
“This practice has been informally followed for the past four years. Since this is a religious site, all municipal councillors have now unanimously agreed to uphold tradition by adhering to a vegetarian diet and halting the sale of fish and meat for three days,” claimed Biman Krishna Saha, chairperson, Nabadwip Municipality.
The Wire has learnt that all 24 councillors, all from TMC, were in agreement when the matter was discussed within the civic body.
The Bharatiya Janata Party, leaders of which have been active elsewhere in asking Muslims to stay indoors and wear tarpaulin to avoid colours, has welcomed the move.
“We applaud the municipality. Similar practices exist during the Kumbh Mela. Why should non-vegetarian habits persist in religious places? Vegetarianism is healthier. The municipality has done well,” said BJP’s Nadia district spokesperson Sandip Majumdar.
Ironically, Nabadwip, deeply rooted in Sri Chaitanya’s legacy, stands as a historical symbol of his opposition to casteism. His philosophy promoted a more egalitarian form of Hindu spirituality based on love, devotion, and inclusivity.
“This is the first time we’re hearing such a diktat on what to eat or avoid. These are RSS-style programmes which are being implemented by Trinamool. During major festivals like Ras Purnima, when Vaishnav devotees flock here, there’s no such imposition of vegetarianism. The municipality should have consulted all parties, clubs, and cultural groups to avoid a controversy such as this,” said a Nabadwip local, Abhijit Datta.
Across the river is Mayapur, the global headquarters of ISKCON which follows a strict vegetarian diet aligning with the Vaishnava tradition of avoiding meat, fish, and eggs. However, Nabadwip, much like the rest of the state, has long celebrated non-vegetarianism as an integral part of its cultural identity.
“We respect traditions, but people are saying that those cooking non-veg will be ostracised. Now even food choices are politicised,” said another local, Sumita Dutta.
Near the popular river bank spot is Sukumar Das’s eatery. Das is worried that the decision will put him and his customers in a bind. “I wonder if patrons will be the happiest at this. We look forward to these spells for good business too,” Das said.
In recent years, the RSS has promoted a practice of designating one day a week for vegetarian meals in various villages across the state, primarily targeting Scheduled Caste-dominated areas. While the Sangh campaign has made some inroads, this is the first time a municipal body, under TMC administration, has imposed a vegetarian directive in an urban area centred around a religious festival.
“Trinamool has controlled the municipality since 2000, yet in Nabadwip’s thousand-year history, such directives were unheard of. They enforce vegetarianism while allowing alcohol sales,” remarked local CPI(M) leader Rudraprasad Mukherjee said.
Last month, TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha called for a nationwide ban on non-vegetarian food. At the time, TMC distanced itself from his remarks, asserting that individual opinions did not reflect the party’s official stance. However, the party has yet to clarify its position on the Nabadwip prohibition order.
Translated from the Bengali original and with inputs by Aparna Bhattacharya.
