Why Bengalis Offer Non-Veg Prasad in Durga Puja While Others Fast in Navratri

Discover why Bengalis offer non-veg prasad in Durga Puja while others fast in Navratri, rooted in Sanatangyan culture, scriptures, and spiritual traditions.

Across India, festive energy fills the air as Navratri begins. In most regions, devotees observe fasting, simplicity, and devotion, avoiding meat, onion, garlic, and heavy spices for nine days. In Bengal, Durga Puja is celebrated with grandeur and joy. The rhythmic beats of dhaak and dhunuchi naach fill the air. In contrast, North India emphasizes vrat, or fasting. Bengalis, however, welcome Maa Durga with elaborate feasts. These include sacred non-vegetarian prasad, such as fish and mutton. Why does this difference exist within the same Sanatangyan tradition? Let’s explore the cultural and scriptural roots behind it.

Navratri and Durga Puja: Two Paths, One Devotion

Navratri festivities are primarily observed in North and Western India. The time is ideal for spiritual cleansing. This time of year, devotees observe strict vrat, or fasting. They give up meat and alcohol, some grains, and certain spices. Inner purification is penance, and spiritual progress is personal. The Shastras cover this in detail.

“उपवासो हि धर्मस्य मूलं शुद्ध्यै शरीरिणाम्।”

 —“Fasting is the foundation of dharma, purifying the body and soul.” (Manusmriti)

On the other hand, in Bengal, Durga Puja begins from Shashti (sixth day) and coincides with Navratri. For Bengalis, the sentiment is different. They see it as the homecoming of Maa Durga, their daughter, to her maternal abode. Maa Durga is met with open arms, just as a daughter would be at home, and with plenty of food. They celebrate her arrival with grandeur, delicious food, and joyful festivities.

Non-Veg Prasad: Sacred, Not Indulgence

For unaccustomed folks, offering meat or fish as prasad might seem odd. In the Bengali Shakta tradition, it is not. Fish and mutton are often prepared in a niramish style, meaning without onion or garlic. These offerings are made to Maa and is especially common after Sandhi Puja or during Kali Puja.

In Bengal, non-vegetarian food symbolizes:

• Abundance – as fish represents prosperity and fertility.

• Strength – as meat symbolizes energy and protection.

• Celebration – welcoming the goddess with joy, not renunciation.

 The Shastras describe the goddess as a dual figure: fierce and nurturing. Her victory over Mahishasura means the destruction of chaos, and the balance and abundance of the universe. 

As the Rigveda says:

“अम्भितमे नदीतमे देवितमे सरस्वति।

अप्नः शुं न आ वृषिणीवाजेभिराजति॥”

“O divine river Saraswati, most abundant, best among rivers, you flow with strength, granting prosperity.”

In this situation, abundance is considered a gift of the divine. This is why, in Bengali tradition, feasting and food are of great importance.

Durga’s Battle with Mahishasura: Symbolism of Feasting

Mahishasura’s defeat at the hands of Durga has become the narrative of Navratri and Durga Puja. This display of divine strength is still remonstrative, emblematically portraying the endless battle between virtue and vice, haughtiness and humility, and righteousness and evil. Once the suffering of the devotees of the goddess was lifted, it was customary to thank the goddess and offer a celebration.

In Bengali culture, the communal sharing of sacrificial meat does not connote an act of violence. It is a transformative process, offering the slain animal in reverent sustenance, now filled with divine positive energy. The act of sacrilege is in fact, a form of bhakti, little different from the recitations of the holy scriptures, the singing of religious hymns, or the collective recitations of the chanters.

Cultural Identity and Collective Joy

Bengali culture and identity are woven into the fabric of worship and Durga Puja. The dhaak and the brass and copper (tama) plate’s resounding echo, the mantras and incense, the offerings and the recitations aided in transforming a period of worship into a shared cultural celebration of joy. The sacrificial offering in worship has traditionally been a means of celebration.

The Sanatangyan tradition teaches that Dharma is vast and inclusive. Just like the Ganga flows through many lands, nourishing each in its own way, Sanatan Dharma embraces different regional practices of worship.

In short, Navratri focuses on fasting and renunciation. Bengalis, however, celebrate Durga Puja with joy, feasting, and sacred non-veg prasad. These offerings are rooted in Sanatangyan culture and guided by the Shastras. They honor the goddess and symbolize abundance and strength. Sharing food also strengthens community bonds. This shows that devotion can grow through both discipline and celebration.