Mumbai Railway Stations Face Backlash Over Bhojpuri Songs Ahead of Chhath Puja; Central Railway Responds

The playing of Bhojpuri songs at railway stations in Mumbai ahead of Chhath Puja has sparked a controversy, bringing the debate over regional identity and cultural representation back into focus. Videos of the songs being played through railway announcement systems surfaced on social media on November 11, drawing objections from sections of Marathi-speaking residents and political activists.

The incident took place ahead of Chhath Puja, an important festival celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. The controversy intensified after questions were raised over why Bhojpuri songs were being played at railway stations in Maharashtra and whether similar recognition was given to local festivals and Marathi cultural traditions.

Responding to the criticism on November 12, Central Railway defended the decision, stating that festival-related songs and public awareness messages are played at stations on different occasions.

Why Were Bhojpuri Songs Played at Mumbai Railway Stations?

According to Central Railway spokesperson Swapnil Nila, Bhojpuri songs were played at selected stations ahead of Chhath Puja to acknowledge the large number of passengers travelling towards Bihar and Uttar Pradesh during the festival period.

The railway administration said the songs were played during the additional time available after accounting for essential passenger announcements. Information about train arrivals, departures, platform numbers and other necessary services remained the priority.

The administration also explained that special trains were being operated to manage the increased passenger movement during the Diwali and Chhath Puja period. Nila said the practice of playing festival-related messages and jingles was not a new arrangement introduced specifically for this occasion. According to him, similar cultural and awareness messages are played during different festivals.

The controversy came to light after videos from Mumbai railway stations circulated on social media. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) were specifically mentioned by Central Railway while explaining the decision.

Regional media reports also identified Wadala, Sanpada and Ambivli among the stations where Bhojpuri songs were played. Reports also mentioned objections raised over music being played through the public announcement system at these locations. The issue attracted further attention after commuters questioned the use of railway announcement systems for cultural programmes.

Political Representatives Raise Objections

The incident drew criticism from some Marathi-speaking commuters and political activists, who questioned the decision to play Bhojpuri songs in Maharashtra. Madhuri Manjrekar, a local corporator associated with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction, reportedly raised objections over the songs played at Wadala railway station.

The criticism largely centred on the representation of Maharashtra's cultural traditions. Some objectors questioned whether Marathi festivals and celebrations received similar recognition at railway stations.

The controversy also gained attention on social media, where users shared videos and expressed different views about the railway administration's decision. However, the objections should not be interpreted as representing the views of all Marathi-speaking residents.

Central Railway spokesperson Swapnil Nila said the administration could consider playing Marathi cultural messages at locations witnessing large numbers of passengers travelling for such celebrations.

He also maintained that the Bhojpuri songs were played for a limited period and did not interrupt essential railway announcements.

The railway administration has defended the move as part of its existing practice of acknowledging different festivals and communicating with passengers through public announcement systems.

Special Trains Arranged for Chhath Puja Rush

The controversy comes at a time when Mumbai is witnessing increased railway traffic due to the Diwali and Chhath Puja travel season.

According to figures shared by Central Railway spokesperson Swapnil Nila, approximately 60,000 to 70,000 passengers were travelling daily for Chhath Puja during the festival period.