During Durga Puja, along with joy, ‘introspection and restraint’ are necessary, message from Kartik Maharaj regarding the fish-meat debate

**Howrah:** Kartik Maharaj conveyed the message of giving importance to the spiritual aspect of the puja along with the joy and celebration during the days of Durga Puja. While attending an event at the hockey ground of Dumurjola Stadium in Howrah on Thursday, he told the organizers of Durga Puja that introspection and restraint are also necessary with the festival.

To coordinate among the Durga Puja committees in the state, the **West Bengal Durga Puja Coordination Committee** has been formed. On Wednesday, the state government announced Kartik Maharaj's name as the chairman of this coordination committee. The very next day, he attended an event in Howrah and presented his views on Durga Puja.

Thanking the state government for announcing his name as chairman, Kartik Maharaj said that a neutral monk has been included in the Durga Puja committee, for which he is grateful to the government.

While discussing the spiritual aspect of Durga Puja, he mentioned that various aspects of the Sanatan Hindu religion can be found within Durga Puja. He emphasized the need to focus on the inherent worship of Goddess Durga from a scriptural perspective.

Kartik Maharaj stated that joy, celebration, light, and fireworks will all be part of the puja. However, alongside that, there is a need to feel the significance of the goddess's emergence and worship. He also commented that restraint and penance are necessary in the worship of power.

His message to the puja organizers is to ensure that even amidst days of joy and celebration, the aspects of introspection and restraint are maintained.

On this day, Kartik Maharaj also commented on the fish-meat debate during Durga Puja. He mentioned that there are various debates regarding fish and meat in Bengal currently. However, he claimed that the *Bhagavad Gita* mentions sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic foods.

In this context, he cited examples from various characters in the Mahabharata, stating that dietary habits may vary according to human nature and needs. Therefore, he expressed the opinion that there is no need for conflict or debate among each other regarding fish and meat.

Following Kartik Maharaj's comments, discussions have resurfaced regarding religious rituals, restraint, and dietary habits during Durga Puja.