Why the ‘Buy biryani fromHindu shops’ poster sparked controversy
A poster campaign by Hindu Jagaran Manch ahead of Durga Puja in Siliguri drew criticism for mixing religion with commerce, raising questions about secularism and community harmony.
Ebenezer News Explainer DeskExplainers are written from our published summary and its cited sources, then checked against them.11 Oct 2026, 05:15 pmUpdated 1h ago3 min readIndiaIndia
Why the ‘Buy biryani from Hindu shops’ poster sparked controversy
A poster campaign by Hindu Jagaran Manch in Siliguri urged people to buy biryani and puja articles from Hindu-run shops ahead of Durga Puja. The appeal sparked a row because many saw it as communal and at odds with Bengal’s long-standing tradition of secular commerce.
What the poster campaign said and sparked
The posters, put up across Siliguri, displayed messages such as “Eat biryani at a Hindu shop” and “Buy puja articles from Hindu shops”.
Hindu Jagaran Manch described the messages as an appeal, not a diktat, and said supporting Hindu-run businesses would boost the local economy.
Abhishek Das, a member leading the campaign, reiterated that the intent was to encourage patronage rather than impose a strict rule.
Residents quickly reacted, arguing that food and festival items have traditionally been bought without regard to the seller’s religion.
The controversy grew when people pointed out that many artisans who craft Durga Puja decorations, such as shola (pith) work, are Muslims.
Why the controversy matters to communities
The debate touches on communal harmony, consumer choice, and cultural identity in a diverse city.
Residents who value secular eating habits.
Muslim artisans who create Durga Puja decorations.
Hindu shop owners who may benefit from the appeal.
Political parties citing constitutional equality.
Critics argued that the posters violated the secular spirit guaranteed by the Constitution and could affect livelihoods based on religion.
Supporters, however, claimed that encouraging local businesses is a legitimate economic message.
How the issue fits into Bengal’s social and political backdrop
Bengal has a long tradition of communal coexistence, with food and festivals often crossing religious lines.
During Durga Puja, people of different faiths routinely buy sweets, decorations, and even biryani from a variety of vendors.
The posters therefore appeared to challenge an established social norm of inclusive commerce.
Political reactions were swift. A senior CPI(M) leader and former minister demanded police action, calling the posters a crime in a secular, democratic nation.
A BJP leader countered that Hindu Jagaran Manch is an independent organisation and the ruling party had no involvement.
These statements reflect the polarized political environment in West Bengal, where cultural issues often become flashpoints for broader ideological battles.
What to watch in the coming weeks
Whether local authorities remove the posters or initiate any legal action.
Further statements from the RSS or Hindu Jagaran Manch clarifying the campaign’s purpose.
Reactions from community groups, especially Muslim artisans and Hindu merchants.
Any police reports or court filings related to the controversy.
Observing these developments will show how the dispute evolves and whether it influences future campaigns during religious festivals.
Key facts at a glance
Posters were put up across Siliguri by Hindu Jagaran Manch, an affiliate of the RSS.
The messages urged buying biryani and puja articles from Hindu-run shops.
The campaign appeared ahead of Durga Puja festivities.
A senior CPI(M) leader called for police action, labeling the posters a crime.
A BJP leader said the ruling party had no involvement in the campaign.
Residents highlighted Bengal’s tradition of enjoying biryani regardless of the cook’s religion.
