Uttar Pradesh: Banke Bihari Temple skips ‘Bal Bhog’ in Vrindavan as halwai goes on strike over unpaid salary

December 16, 2025

Vrindavan: An unusual disruption was witnessed at the famous Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan after the halwai appointed to prepare daily offerings stopped work due to non-payment of salary, breaking a long-standing temple tradition.

Bhog Preparation Halted Over Salary Issue

According to temple sources, the halwai, who was responsible for preparing prasad and bhog for Thakurji, has not received his monthly salary of ₹80,000 for the past few months. As a result, both bal bhog and shayan bhog were not prepared, an incident sevayats described as unprecedented in recent memory. The disruption caused concern among devotees, for whom daily offerings are an essential part of worship.

High Power Committee Under Scrutiny

The halwai was appointed under a high power committee constituted to manage temple arrangements following Supreme Court directions. Temple sources said the non-preparation of bhog marked a rare break in a tradition that has been followed continuously for years at the Banke Bihari Temple. The incident triggered discontent among sevayats, who raised objections over administrative lapses.

Authorities Assure Resolution

Members of the high power committee acknowledged the issue and said it would be discussed to ensure timely payments. Temporary arrangements were later made to complete the remaining rituals. The incident has once again drawn attention to administrative challenges at the temple, which has been under scrutiny since recent changes in its governance. Sevayats have urged authorities to resolve the matter promptly to prevent a recurrence and ensure uninterrupted religious practices.