River Rituals and Religious Rifts: Biryani Controversy Erupts in Kashi

Fourteen individuals were arrested for eating chicken biryani at an Iftar party on a boat in the Ganga River, sparking controversy. The incident, deemed offensive by Hindu devotees, led to legal action, highlighting tensions between religious practices and modern festivities in culturally sensitive zones.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Varanasi | Updated: 17-03-2026 19:25 IST | Created: 17-03-2026 19:25 IST
River Rituals and Religious Rifts: Biryani Controversy Erupts in Kashi
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  • India

In a controversial turn of events, fourteen people were arrested after a video surfaced showing them eating chicken biryani during an Iftar gathering on a boat in the Ganga River. The incident sparked outrage for allegedly defiling a significant religious site and offending religious sensibilities.

Rajat Jaiswal, head of BJP Yuva Morcha's city unit, filed a complaint alleging the act was intended to hurt Hindu religious feelings. He emphasized the deep reverence the Ganga holds for Sanatan Dharma followers and criticized the act as inappropriate and disrespectful.

Additional Commissioner of Police Vijay Pratap Singh confirmed that the arrests followed a video going viral on social media. Legal actions under multiple sections, including the Water Pollution Act, were initiated to address this sensitive incident, which has spotlighted the delicate interplay between religious observance and public celebrations.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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