Ganja Use Prohibited at Shiva Shrines by Odisha Government : Public Opinion

Ganja Use Prohibited at Shiva Shrines by Odisha Government : Public Opinion

In 2015, former MP Tathagata Satpathy criticized the ban on cannabis in India, highlighting its long history of ritual and recreational use. He argued that cannabis was banned due to an “elitist bias” since it was considered a drug used by the poor. The Odisha government has now taken steps to prohibit the use of ganja (cannabis) at Shiva shrines across the state.

The topic has resurfaced, as marijuana becomes a subject of discussion once again in Odisha. On May 10, the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department issued a letter instructing collectors and superintendents of police in all districts to take necessary measures to prevent the use of cannabis at temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Minister Ashwini Patra stated, “Similar to the ban on animal sacrifice at the Bhagabati Temple in Banapur and subsequently in most temples, restrictions will be imposed on the use of ganja in all Shaivite temples in Odisha.”

Although ganja is not offered to the deity at the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, it has been a century-old practice during the ‘Gharsana’ ritual of Lord Shiva at the Akhandalamani shrine in Bhadrak, followed by the distribution of ‘bhog’ to devotees. Religious preacher Balia Baba, the head of Ananta Balia Trust, wrote to the Excise Department on April 13, requesting a ban on the use of ganja at this shrine.

Balia Baba wrote, “Hundreds of devotees from across the state visit the Shiva shrine every day. However, the excessive use of ganja in the name of Lord Shiva is polluting the religious spirit of the place.”

Vishal Swain, a college student, supports the government’s decision, stating, “Preserving the sanctity and spiritual atmosphere of these sacred places is important without the influence of drug consumption.”

Rahul Ray, a corporate employee, opposes the government’s decision, stating, “It feels like an unnecessary intrusion on personal freedom and religious practices. There could have been better alternatives to address any issues related to drug abuse. While the world is gradually legalizing marijuana, aware of its medicinal values, we are moving backward. Offering ganja should not be compared with animal sacrifice.”

Liza Behera, a dentist, commends the government’s step, saying, “It promotes the safety and well-being of devotees, ensuring that the focus remains on spirituality and religious experiences rather than substance abuse.”

Madhu Padhiary, a businesswoman, believes that certain things need to evolve with time and modernity, but banning ganja is not one of them. She expresses, “Have we ever heard of someone using ganja or bhang and then attacking someone? No, but we are all aware that some people commit crimes under the influence of alcohol. So the point is, if we are not banning alcohol, there is no point in banning ganja. It has been proven since ancient times that ganja has medicinal value and is part of our culture. It can be prohibited in public, but it shouldn’t be banned in religious practices.”