A controversy erupted on Thursday over the playing of Bhojpuri songs at major railway stations in Mumbai ahead of the Chhath Puja festival.
The move drew immediate criticism from sections of Marathi-speaking citizens and local political activists, raising questions regarding the use of public railway announcement systems for cultural events.
The issue surfaced after videos of the songs being broadcast at stations went viral on social media. In response, a Central Railway (CR) spokesperson defended the initiative, explaining that special jingles and themed messages are routinely aired during festive periods.
“At some stations, including Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, from where special trains are being operated, songs are being played ahead of Chhath Puja,” the spokesperson stated. Officials emphasised that these tracks are only broadcast during extra intervals, ensuring that essential passenger announcements remain unaffected.
Nevertheless, the incident has ignited a broader debate about regional cultural traditions and whether similar prominence should be extended to local Maharashtrian festivals on public transit systems. Chhath Puja is prominently celebrated across Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
