Bengal Man Receives Chicken Instead of Vegetarian Meal on Diwali, Sparks Cultural Sensitivity Debate

New Delhi, October 21, 2025: A West Bengal man has shared a distressing experience after a food delivery mix-up on Diwali, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity in food services. Sumit Agarwal recounted on LinkedIn how he ordered a simple vegetarian dish, Mutter Mushroom, from Rang De Basanti Dhaba through Swiggy, only to receive Tandoori Chicken Classic instead. Agarwal described the incident as “emotional trauma” for his family, particularly affecting his mother, a devout vegetarian since her marriage, who was visibly shaken by the mistake. “Imagine opening your meal after a puja, expecting a vegetarian dish, and finding meat instead. The shock, disbelief, and silence that follows—it’s deeply unsettling,” he wrote. Agarwal emphasized that for many, food is not just sustenance but an expression of faith, tradition, and personal values. Such errors, he noted, cross emotional and cultural boundaries, causing hurt beyond mere inconvenience. While Agarwal clarified he did not share the incident out of anger, he wanted to raise awareness about the need for cultural sensitivity in a diverse country like India. “Inclusion isn’t only about accessibility. It’s also about respecting cultural practices. Mistakes like these can unintentionally disrespect faith and tradition,” he stated. He urged Swiggy and restaurants to implement stricter measures to ensure order accuracy, particularly for vegetarian and culturally significant meals. Agarwal concluded with a message of caution and hope: “I sincerely hope no other family faces this. Sometimes, what’s delivered on your plate can hurt far beyond the taste. It’s not just about food—it’s about faith and respect.” The viral post has drawn widespread attention, with readers noting how food delivery platforms must balance efficiency with cultural and religious sensitivity. Diwali, a festival deeply rooted in spiritual and familial traditions, makes the mishap particularly impactful, underscoring how meal accuracy can be tied closely to religious observances. Swiggy has not yet responded publicly to the incident. However, the case serves as a reminder to food delivery services across India to enforce careful checks, particularly during major festivals when families may observe strict dietary restrictions. Ensuring correct meals is not only a matter of service quality but also of respecting cultural practices in a multi-faith society. This episode highlights a growing conversation around the responsibility of food platforms to uphold trust, accuracy, and cultural respect, especially during festivals that hold deep emotional and religious significance. Agarwal’s experience is prompting discussions on the need for sensitivity and accountability in food delivery services nationwide. Diwali Meal Mix-Up Sparks Cultural Sensitivity Debate A West Bengal man, Sumit Agarwal, received Tandoori Chicken instead of his ordered vegetarian Mutter Mushroom on Diwali, causing distress to his devout vegetarian mother. Sharing the experience on LinkedIn, he highlighted how such mistakes cross emotional and cultural boundaries, affecting faith and tradition. Agarwal urged Swiggy and restaurants to ensure order accuracy, especially for culturally significant meals, emphasizing that respect for dietary practices is part of inclusion. The incident has sparked nationwide discussion on the responsibility of food platforms to balance efficiency with cultural sensitivity, particularly during major festivals.