Mumbai : The playing of Bhojpuri songs at prominent Mumbai railway stations ahead of Chhath Puja has triggered a debate, with some Marathi-speaking citizens and local political activists questioning the use of railway announcement systems for festival-related broadcasts.
The issue gained attention after videos of Bhojpuri songs being played at railway stations surfaced on social media, drawing mixed reactions.
Defending the move, a Central Railway spokesperson said special songs, jingles and festive messages are regularly played at stations during major celebrations. The spokesperson confirmed that Bhojpuri songs are being broadcast at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), particularly as special trains operate for Chhath Puja.
Railway officials clarified that the songs are played during additional intervals and do not interfere with regular passenger announcements.
However, the move has sparked discussions over regional representation and whether similar arrangements should also be made for major Maharashtrian festivals.
Chhath Puja is widely celebrated by devotees across Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh, with large communities observing the festival in Mumbai as well.
