Pune: The yellow turmeric powder (Bhandara) traditionally used in the sacred town of Jejuri, home to Lord Khandoba, is now posing significant health risks to both devotees and locals due to contamination. The adulterated Bhandara is also threatening the preservation of the historic Jejuri Fort.
Shivraj Zagade, the former chief trustee of the Martand Dev Sansthan, has raised alarm over the situation and submitted a memorandum to Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal, urging immediate action to combat the adulteration issue.
Turmeric and vermillion are of immense cultural and religious importance in India, with the practice of sprinkling Bhandara being an age-old tradition in Jejuri, which is often referred to as “Golden Jejuri” because of the yellow hue that covers the town and fort. However, in recent years, the sacred turmeric powder has been found to be adulterated, which raises grave concerns regarding both public health and the structural integrity of the fort.
Locals, devotees, and religious groups have continuously called for the authorities to take action against the sale of adulterated Bhandara. Zagade emphasized that some external traders have been selling turmeric powder mixed with non-edible substances, such as synthetic yellow powders, in unauthorized and unlabeled packaging. This has resulted in health problems for the people who come into contact with the powder.
On Friday, a delegation met Minister Narhari Zirwal to press for the Food and Drug Administration to impose a ban on the sale of contaminated Bhandara and take strict action against those responsible for its adulteration.
