West Bengal Halts Holi at Sonajhuri Haat to Preserve Greenery

The West Bengal government has banned Holi celebrations at Sonajhuri Haat, near the UNESCO heritage site in Santiniketan, to prevent ecological damage. Officials encourage visitor cooperation and announced police assistance to enforce the ban. Visva Bharati also restricts access during the spring festival due to logistics concerns.

The West Bengal government has prohibited Holi celebrations at the renowned Sonajhuri Haat in Birbhum district's Santiniketan to safeguard the area's greenery, an official confirmed on Wednesday.

Located near the Visva Bharati's Santiniketan campus, a recognized UNESCO heritage site, the decision was taken amid concerns over ecological damage during the festival. Bolpur Divisional Forest Officer Rahul Kumar explained that signage had been installed to deter vehicles and discourage festivities. However, enforcement will rely partly on visitors' cooperation alongside the support of police and administrative authorities.

This year marks the first time such a ban has been imposed following Visva Bharati's 2019 cessation of public participation in the 'Basanto Utsav' (spring festival), resulting in a significant influx of visitors at Sonajhuri Haat. The university, citing infrastructural constraints and heritage status, restricts access during the spring festival, aligning with the ecological protection initiative.

(With inputs from agencies.)