Patan Prospective Journal Volume: 3 Number: 1 June 2023 Himal Giri 1 Received Date: April 2023 Revised: May 2023 Accepted: June 2023 Lajja: A Critical Examination of Religious Fanaticism in Taslima Nasrin's Novel Himal Giri (PhD Scholar), Patan Multiple Campus Email : himalgiri2017@gmail.com Doi-https://doi.org/10.3126/ppj.v3i01.58936 Abstract Taslima Nasrin's novel, Lajja, explores the theme of religious fanaticism and its devastating impact on individuals and society. Published in 1993, the novel offers a poignant portrayal of a Hindu family living in Bangladesh and their struggles in the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition in India. This article aims to analyze Nasrin's Lajja in the context of religious fanaticism, examining the narrative's socio-political implications and its significance in promoting religious tolerance and understanding.The research paper follows both descriptive and analytical method, and is based on both primary and secondary sources. Taslima Nasrin’s Lajja served as the primary source while many articles and essays constituted the secondary sources. Keywords : Babri Masjid, Bangladesh, communal violence, gender, lajja & nationalism. Introduction Lajja, meaning "shame" in Bengali, delves into the harrowing experiences of the Duttas, a Hindu family in Bangladesh, as they navigate the tumultuous aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition. Taslima Nasrin, a prominent Bangladeshi author and feminist, crafts a narrative that confronts religious fanaticism head-on, shedding light on the tragic consequences it engenders. Through the lens of the Duttas, Nasrin exposes the profound impacts of religious intolerance on individual lives, familial bonds, and national identity. Lajja revolves around the Dutta family, primarily focusing on Sudhamoy, Kiranmaye, and Suranjan Dutta. As violence erupts against the Hindu community, the Duttas face the loss of their home, safety, and sense of belonging. The novel depicts their journey of escape and exile, highlighting the profound impact of religious fanaticism on individuals and families. The characters in Lajja undergo significant development throughout the narrative. Sudhamoy Dutta symbolizes the voice of reason, advocating for secularism and harmony in the face of religious hostility. Kiranmaye Dutta portrays the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society, while Suranjan Dutta undergoes a transformation of identity as he confronts the reality of religious intolerance. To fully comprehend the significance of Lajja, it is crucial to contextualize it within the historical and social backdrop of Bangladesh. The demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, India, in 1992 serves as a catalyst for the events portrayed in the novel. The