Kolkata, 13 March (H.S.) -The West Bengal government has imposed a ban on Holi celebrations at the popular Sonajhuri Haat in Birbhum district’s Santiniketan this year, citing concerns over potential damage to the forested area. The decision was announced by the state’s forest department.

Sonajhuri Haat, located near Visva-Bharati’s Santiniketan campus—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—has been a major attraction for tourists during the spring festival. However, authorities fear that the large gathering and the use of colored powders and water could harm the delicate green cover in the Sonajhuri Khowai belt.

Bolpur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rahul Kumar stated that banners have been put up in the area, urging visitors not to park vehicles or celebrate Holi at the site. “We will seek support from the police and local administration to enforce the ban, but we are also relying on people to act responsibly,” he said.

A spokesperson from Visva-Bharati University reiterated that the campus will not be open for Holi celebrations, emphasizing its heritage status. Allowing public entry would mean accommodating over 5,00,000 people, which is beyond our infrastructure and logistical capacity, the spokesperson said.

This is the first time that the forest department has prohibited Holi festivities at Sonajhuri Haat, which has become a gathering spot for thousands since Visva-Bharati discontinued public participation in its ‘Basanto Utsav’ after 2019.

DFO Rahul Kumar explained, “We are not issuing any strict diktat, but large groups will be prevented from entering the Sonajhuri Khowai belt on March 14, the day of Dol Yatra. Sprinkling colored water can cause irreparable damage to trees. Let us pledge to protect Sonajhuri from ecological harm this year.”

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh