Kolkata, October 6, 2026: Doctors at RG Hospitals Kolkata have cautioned that festive feasting during Durga Puja, which often involves rich meals, fried snacks, and sweets, can trigger gallbladder attacks in individuals with existing gallstones. The warning comes as a recent systematic review and meta-analysis found the prevalence of gallbladder stones in India to be 3.31%, based on data from over 10,000 participants.
While consuming a heavy meal does not cause gallstones, it can provoke an attack in those who already have them, according to the hospital. Dr. Debashis Deb, Senior Consultant in General and Laparoscopic Surgery at RG Hospitals Kolkata, said that people often dismiss abdominal pain after festive meals as acidity or overeating, but gallbladder pain has a distinct pattern and can be severe or persistent.
Symptoms and risks during festive season
Gallstones may remain asymptomatic for long periods, but problems arise when a stone blocks the bile ducts. Such blockages can lead to pain in the upper right or upper middle abdomen, lasting several hours and sometimes radiating to the back or right shoulder. These attacks frequently follow heavy meals and may occur in the evening or at night, sometimes accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
Dr. Deb noted that not every stomach ache after a festive meal is a gallbladder attack, but gallbladder pain is typically more intense and persistent. Repeated episodes, especially after meals, should prompt medical evaluation.
Diagnosis and warning signs
Doctors assess symptoms and medical history before recommending investigations. An abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to detect gallstones, and blood tests may be advised if there are concerns about infection, inflammation, or blockages involving the gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, or pancreas.
Warning signs that require immediate attention include abdominal pain lasting several hours, repeated vomiting, fever or chills, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or unusually pale stools. These may indicate a blocked bile duct or inflammation and require prompt medical assessment.
Advice for gallstone patients during Puja
Individuals with known gallstones or previous gallbladder pain are advised to avoid very large meals and foods that have previously triggered symptoms. Smaller portions and a balanced diet are recommended, along with fibre-rich foods and limiting fried foods, excess sugar, and unhealthy fats.
For those with recurrent symptomatic gallstones, doctors may recommend treatment, including surgical removal of the gallbladder when appropriate. People experiencing repeated attacks are urged to seek medical advice rather than self-managing the pain at home.
RG Hospitals Kolkata is a healthcare provider in the city, offering general and laparoscopic surgery among other medical services.
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