Political Leaders Oppose Ganja Use Ban At Shiva Temples In Odisha; Demand Withdrawal

Bhubaneswar: After the Odisha government prohibited the use of ganja at Shiva shrines across the state, leaders of different political parties criticised the move saying it is against the state’s culture and traditions.

Veteran Congress leader and Jatni MLA Suresh Kumar Routray said it is an unnecessary order on the part of the state government and it should be reconsidered.

Stating that ganja is offered as bhog to Lord Shiva at temples all over, he said imposing a blanket ban on its use in shrines is not appropriate. Smoking ganja in temples and polluting the shrines should be discouraged, but imposing total prohibition in Shiva temples is uncalled for, he said, adding that the move is against the culture and traditions of Odisha.

Expressing similar views, former BJD MP Tathagata Satpathy said the ban on ganja in Shiva temples by the Culture department is against the state’s culture and it shows a highly regressive and anti-Odia posturing.

Stating that ganja is offered to Lord Shiva as bhog and not as intoxicant, Satpathy said it is a part of Odia culture. Ganja has been a custom for long in all Shiva temples in Odisha and it has been a standard offerings to the Lord.

Administrators of today do not know what is Odia culture, he said, demanding immediate withdrawal of the government order.

Condemning the move, veteran politician Damodar Rout said devotees do not smoke ganja inside temples and it is offered only to the Lord as bhog in accordance with age-old traditions.

Instead of banning the use of ganja in Shiva temples, the government and police should curb rampant use of liquor, heroin and various drugs across the state, he said.

It may be noted here that Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department has directed collectors and SPs of all the districts to take necessary steps to stop the use of the weed at temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. “Like the practice of animal sacrifice was banned at Bhagabati Temple in Banapur and it was banned in most of the temples subsequently, restriction will be imposed on use of ganja in all Shaivite temples in Odisha,” said Minister Ashwini Patra.