Mumbai, Nov 12 A controversy erupted on Thursday over the playing of Bhojpuri songs at some train stations in Mumbai ahead of the Chhath Puja festival, with the move drawing criticism and raising questions over the use of Railway announcement systems for cultural events.
The issue came to light after videos of Bhojpuri songs being played at Railway stations surfaced on social media, drawing objections from some sections of Marathi-speaking people and activists of certain political parties.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should take a stand for the state’s cultural pride, adding the same stand should be taken by the Mumbai mayor and everyone else.
One can celebrate a festival, but it should not be an attack on Maharashtra’s culture, he said. “They will not play Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha (Maharashtra Geet) or Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon songs. The songs played don’t fit into any rules. There is a need to take a stand on this,” Raut said.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raju Patil asked why, instead of giving priority to Maharashtra’s festivals and culture, there is a need to celebrate festivals from other states by playing Chhath Puja songs.
“The question is not about opposing Chhath Puja or any community’s festival. But will Maharashtra’s festivals and Marathi culture receive the respect they deserve in Maharashtra,” Patil asked.
Shiv Sena leader Naresh Mhaske said the Bhojpuri songs were stopped, and there was no need for such criticism.
Responding to the controversy, a Central Railway (CR) spokesperson said various jingles and awareness messages related to specific themes are played at stations on different occasions.
“At some stations, including Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, from where special trains are being operated (to clear festival rush), songs are being played ahead of the Chhath Puja (to be celebrated later this week),” the spokesperson said.
Defending the move, the spokesperson insisted these are played during the additional time available, apart from the time required to broadcast essential information to passengers.
The issue has also sparked a debate over whether similar recognition should be given to Maharashtra’s festivals and regional cultural traditions at Railway stations.
Chhath Puja, a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Goddess Chhathi Maiya, is celebrated prominently in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
(PTI News)
