Kanpur Temple turtles trade tradition for paneer treats

In a quiet corner of Kanpur, a centuries-old temple has become home to an unexpected spectacle — a group of softshell turtles with an unusual appetite for paneer. Every Wednesday, the pond beside the Panki Dham temple, also known as Panki Nageshwar, comes alive as turtles surface eagerly to feast on cubes of cottage cheese tossed in by visiting devotees, according to a TOI report.

Around 150 turtles live in this two-bigha pond, but their fondness for dairy — a rarity in the wild — has turned them into a local curiosity and a subject of interest for conservationists.

A surprising switch

Temple caretaker Mahant Devi Dayal Pathak, whose family has been managing the temple for over three centuries, said the tradition started when a visiting academic offered paneer to the turtles during a visit. “They used to eat flour balls offered by devotees, but now they prefer paneer,” he told TOI. “It’s become a part of the temple routine.”

While turtles generally don’t consume dairy, these softshell turtles seem to have adapted. Their behavior is especially striking given their natural diet, which includes fish, insects, and dead matter.

Midweek ritual

Wednesdays at the temple draw larger crowds, partly due to a belief that feeding turtles brings blessings from Mercury, the planet associated with this day in Hindu mythology.

For many, it’s a spiritual offering. For others, it’s a sight worth watching — dozens of turtle heads popping out of the water the moment cheese touches the surface, said TOI.

Conservation meets tradition

Wildlife experts say this unusual feeding pattern warrants closer study. Dr. Rajeev Chauhan, a conservationist, noted that while the species — Nilssonia gangetica — is generally carnivorous, its digestive system can handle high-protein foods like cheese.

“It’s not typical, but it’s not entirely harmful either — as long as it's managed responsibly,” he told the news outlet.

The turtles are listed under India’s highest level of wildlife protection laws, meaning they cannot be captured, harmed, or traded. As such, their growing popularity at the temple has led to increased efforts to safeguard their environment.

Temple pond now a turtle refuge

Efforts have been made to keep the habitat healthy. A man-made island in the pond provides a space for nesting, and temple staff monitor water quality regularly.

Local vendors sell only food approved by conservation bodies, and awareness boards guide visitors on how to feed the turtles without causing harm.

“We take care of their health, make sure the pond stays clean, and add fresh sand to their island during the summer months,” Pathak told the newspaper. “This isn’t just about religion anymore — it’s about responsibility.”

Future plans in the works

The temple authorities are planning new features, including observation decks, educational displays for children, and improved waste disposal systems. They also hope to start research to better understand the turtles' evolving habits.

For now, the cheese-hungry turtles remain a beloved sight in Kanpur. Each week, as the faithful arrive with their offerings, the pond turns into a unique blend of devotion and biodiversity — where ancient rituals and modern conservation come together, one paneer cube at a time.