Temple Turtles in Kanpur Develop Unique Preference for Paneer

KANPUR: In a curious twist of tradition and nature, turtles residing in a temple pond in Kanpur have developed a peculiar preference for paneer, a dairy product, over their usual diet. This unusual behavior has become a notable feature of the temple complex, drawing both devotees and conservationists to observe the unique interaction between sacred rituals and wildlife.

Located beside the Panki Dham temple, a site known as Panki Nageshwar temple, the 2-bigha pond is home to approximately 150 softshell turtles. Every Wednesday, these turtles surface eagerly, paddling swiftly to snatch cubes of paneer offered by visiting devotees. This ritual has become a consistent part of the temple’s weekly routine, with the turtles’ behavior drawing attention from both locals and visitors.

Devi Dayal Pathak, a temple administrator whose family has managed the shrine for over 350 years, recounted the origin of this unusual feeding habit. “A visiting professor was apparently the first to introduce paneer to the reptiles,” Pathak said. “They once ate atta balls offered by devotees, but now clearly prefer paneer. Why they developed this taste, no one really knows.”

The turtles’ shift in diet has sparked interest among conservationists and religious scholars. While the turtles are generally averse to dairy, their preference for paneer has become a consistent feature of temple life. Religious lore also plays a role in this behavior, as turtles are associated with the planet Mercury, encouraging crowds to gather midweek to feed them in hopes of astrological goodwill.

Rajeev Chauhan, secretary general of the Society for Conservation of Nature, called the paneer-loving behavior rare and research-worthy. “These Indian softshell turtles – Nilssonia gangetica – are carnivores and scavengers. Because of that, they can easily digest cheese,” he said.

Native to rivers such as the Ganga, Indus, and Mahanadi, the softshell turtles usually feast on fish, amphibians, carrion, and aquatic vegetation. Despite their adaptability, they remain protected under Schedule I, Part II of India’s Wild Life (Protection) Act, oted in 1972, making it illegal to capture or harm them.

Pathak described the temple grounds as having evolved into a sanctuary. An artificial island in the center provides nesting space, while embankments help prevent erosion. Local shopkeepers now stock approved feeding items, and municipal authorities provide ecological guidance to visitors.

For now, paneer remains the top choice on the turtle menu. Every Wednesday, as cubes of paneer hit the water, the turtles’ heads rise in a rhythmic pattern, creating a scene that is both a sacred ritual and an ecological marvel.