‘Buy biryani from Hindu shops’ poster campaign sparks row in Bengal's Siliguri ahead of Durga Puja

An artisan paints the eyes of a clay idol of Goddess Durga on October 11, 2026 | Photo Credit: PTI

A poster campaign by the Hindu Jagaran Manch urging people to buy biryani and puja articles from shops owned by Hindus triggered a controversy here, the largest town in the northern part of West Bengal.

The posters were put up across the city by the Hindu Jagaran Manch, an affiliate of the RSS, ahead of the Durga Puja festivities.

Expert strokes: While some workshops retain the traditional shabeki style, others experiment with contemporary designs to meet specific commissions.

Work in progress: Ahead of Durga Puja, artisans perfect clay idols of Goddess Durga, Lord Ganesh and other deities at Kumartuli in Kolkata.

Basic coat: An artisan sprays paint on a clay idol at Kumartuli, where few women have broken barriers to enter the traditionally male-dominated craft.

Divine details: Idols cost between ₹50,000 and ₹3 lakh, depending on their size, with eco-friendly colours adding to the making charge.

Decked to impress: People crowd around to photograph an idol of Goddess Durga as it is readied for transport from Kumartuli.