In a significant decision, the forest department has banned several activities during the upcoming Dol (Holi) festival this year. The use of colored powder (Abir or Gulal), parking of vehicles, drone flying, and photography will not be allowed in the Sonajhuri forest.
Additionally, Rabindranath Tagore’s Visva-Bharati University has chosen to move its annual Vasantotsav festival, which typically coincides with Dol, to March 11. The festival will be held with a strict ban on outsiders.
Sonajhuri, known for its lively local market (Haat) and beautiful landscape, is expected to be impacted by these new rules. Tanmay Mitra, president of the Sonajhuri Khowai Haat Committee, confirmed that the forest department’s restrictions prohibit playing with Abir in the forest. As a result, the Vasantotsav will not take place in Sonajhuri this year. However, the market will remain open to visitors.
The decision was made due to the heavy crowds and traffic jams that typically occur during Dol, which cause environmental damage. This isn't the first time the spring festival has faced such restrictions.
In 2019, public celebrations at Visva-Bharati were marred by vandalism and littering, leading to the cancellation of the event in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the then Vice-Chancellor, Bidyut Chakraborty, restricted outsiders from attending the festival.
The situation has become stricter after UNESCO declared Visva-Bharati a World Heritage site in September 2023. Since then, entry to the university’s traditional campus during the spring festival has been limited to protect its sanctity and environment. This year, the Vasantotsav will be held on March 11, and no outsiders will be allowed.
Rahul Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), explained that the forest department's decision is in line with the Forest Conservation Act. The festival causes harm to the forest, with large crowds and vehicles damaging the environment. He pointed out that previous Vasantotsavs, especially the one in 2024, caused significant damage to the Sonajhuri forest, prompting the need for stricter measures this year.
Tourists have expressed disappointment over the cancellations. Mousumi Karmakar, a visitor, shared her sadness about the event being moved from Sonajhuri Haat. She hoped future festivals could find a balance between tradition and protecting the environment.
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