An outreach campaign promoting healthy living, titled "Say No to Junk Food," was launched at Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Kolkata on Thursday. The initiative encourages individuals to adopt healthier dietary practices, akin to the nutritious offerings made to Goddess Durga, particularly during the festive pandal-hopping season.
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Organized by the social group Resurrection, this campaign aims to raise awareness about choosing nutritious foods rich in vegetables and cereals while minimizing oil and spice consumption. Last year, the organization focused on cancer screening camps at various puja pandals and is now addressing dietary health.
Biswajit Sarkar, a member of Resurrection's executive committee, highlighted the need for this campaign, emphasizing the importance of traditional food, especially for children who often avoid it. The initiative will extend to about 12 pujas across the city, including Chetla Agrani, Tridhara Sammilani, and Shyam Park, among others.
Krishna Kumar Roy, an onco-surgeon participating in the campaign, discussed the cancer risks linked to junk food. He noted that "Matribhog"—the traditional offerings—are pure, incorporating rice, pulses, cereals, and other natural ingredients. The focus is to help the community understand the significance of consuming wholesome food for health.
Dieticians also expressed concerns over the repercussions of poor eating habits during the festival season, as hospital gastroenterology departments often see an influx of patients post-puja. Sudeshna Mitra Nag, chief dietitian of a private hospital, advised avoiding fried and junk foods while recommending that individuals carry dry fruits while participating in puja festivities.
Agnimitra Mukherjee, a consultant dietitian, warned that staying awake late and eating at irregular hours, particularly with heavy, spicy foods, can lead to issues like acidity, bloating, indigestion, and gastritis.