Malda, West Bengal – In what is being seen as a major blow to Hindu religious traditions in West Bengal, two separate controversies have erupted, raising concerns over the state government’s handling of Hindu festivals and sentiments.
629-Year-Old Rath Mela Denied Police Permission in Malda
In Jalalpur town, located in the Kaliachak I CD block of Malda district, police have denied permission for the historic ‘Rath Mela’ (Chariot Fair) — a fair that has been held annually for over 629 years, according to local organisers.
The fair, traditionally held beside the Sri Mahaprabhu Mandir, follows the Rath Yatra procession and continues for about a week. While the police have approved the Rath Yatra itself, they cited “law and order concerns” as the reason for rejecting the fair component. Authorities claimed a rise in “anti-social activities” in the area, including instances of violence during past events, as the basis for the denial.
The decision has shocked local residents and organisers, who argue that the Rath Mela plays a vital role in the local economy and attracts people across religious and caste lines.
“The Rath Mela predates the arrival of Babur and the Mughals. It’s 629 years old,” said Gautam Mandal, Secretary of the Rath Yatra Committee. “It’s disheartening to see such an ancient tradition being curtailed for what appears to be vote-bank politics.”
Organisers have now decided to approach the District Magistrate (DM) and, if necessary, seek legal remedy through the courts.
Meanwhile, local BJP leader Ajay Ganguly criticized the move, alleging that the police were acting under the influence of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In contrast, TMC State General Secretary Krishnendu Narayan Chowdhury defended the police decision, emphasizing security concerns.
Digha Jagannath Temple in Controversy Over Prasad from Muslim-Owned Shops
Separately, in Digha, the newly constructed Jagannath temple — a replica of the Puri temple inaugurated in April 2025 — is now facing backlash over the sourcing of its temple prasad.
The BJP’s IT Cell Head, Amit Malviya, has accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government of “trampling on Hindu sentiments” by allowing Muslim-owned sweet shops to prepare offerings like ‘Gaja’ and ‘Pera’ for distribution as prasad at the temple.
Sharing a list of shop names on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Malviya alleged that this was a deliberate affront to religious practices, especially considering that non-Hindus are not allowed inside the original Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha.
The controversy has reignited the ongoing debate over religious sensitivities and the administration of Hindu templesin the state.
These developments come amid rising political tensions in West Bengal over religious identity, governance, and the protection of long-standing Hindu festivals. Both incidents are likely to feature prominently in political discourse as the state approaches major festivals and possibly, elections.
