Offering and distributing cannabis (Ganja) in Shiva temples banned by Odisha Govt

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) – Odisha Government has banned offering and distributing cannabis (ganja) in Shiva temples in the State and that has triggered public discontent.

Departments of Odiya Language, Literature and Culture have issued a circular in this regard prescribed by the Spiritual leader and Padmashri Dharma-Guru Baba Balia. Many priests agreed that it was inappropriate.

“I had written a letter to the government requesting a ban on Ganja at Shiva shrines. Cannabis can be offered as an offering at the shrine but should not be distributed among devotees for consumption. The ban will curb health hazards among the youth,” Baba Balia stated.

Minister of Culture Department, Ashwini Patra said it was essential to ban ganja as animal sacrifice is banned in Bhagawati Temple.

Editorial perspective

In Hindu temples, what to ban and what not should be the prerogative of Dharma Acharyas and not the Government.