Bhojpuri songs played at Mumbai railway stations ahead of Chhath Puja, sparks row

The playing of Bhojpuri songs at some railway stations in Mumbai ahead of Chhath Puja has triggered a political row, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders questioning the use of railway announcement systems for cultural programmes.

Videos of Bhojpuri songs being played at the stations surfaced on social media ahead of Chhath Puja, a four-day festival beginning Friday. It is widely celebrated by people from Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

In response to the controversy, a Central Railway spokesperson said jingles and awareness messages on specific themes are played at stations on different occasions. "Bhojpuri songs were played at some stations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, when special trains were being operated for the festival," the spokesperson said.

The songs were played during additional time available apart from essential passenger announcements, the spokesperson added.

The issue was raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Madhuri Manjrekar at Wadala station. Jitendra Patil of the MNS Railway Kamgar Sena said his organisation had taken up the matter with railway authorities after receiving complaints from passengers.

Patil said the objection was not to Chhath Puja but to the use of railway premises and announcement systems for playing such songs. He said the MNS had raised the issue with officials and sought an explanation.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske defended the playing of Bhojpuri songs, saying Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival and there was no reason to object to its celebration.

Mhaske said instructions had been issued earlier, but the songs were played again. He argued that people from north India were also Indians and Hindus, and questioned why their cultural celebrations were being criticised.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, meanwhile, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should take a stand on the issue and protect Maharashtra's cultural identity.

“Festivals can be celebrated, but not at the cost of Maharashtra's culture. They will not play Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha or Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon. The songs played don't fit into any rules. There is a need to take a stand on this,” Raut said.

MNS leader Raju Patil said the issue was not about opposing Chhath Puja or any community's festival, but about ensuring that Marathi culture received due respect in the state.

“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?” he asked.

Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar also weighed in, saying Marathi songs were played at railway stations and would continue to be played. He said cultural programmes were held across the country and cited his participation in a Marathi food festival in Indore and a programme in Patna.

Shelar said those criticising the events did not have complete information about such initiatives.

Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. It is celebrated with particular fervour in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh, as well as by migrant communities from these states living in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.- Ends(with inputs from PTI)

Mustafa has been with TV Today for more than 5 years and covers crime and Mumbai centric stories as a Principal Correspondent. His inquisitive nature further developed his aspirations to be a journalist as a teenager. He looks at stories with thorough detailing to get to the facts that are beyond obvious. When he isn't working he enjoys reading and watching movies.