Maharashtra Govt To Introduce Special Policy For Jejuri’s Sacred Turmeric ‘Bhandara’
Maharashtra Govt To Introduce Special Policy For Jejuri’s Sacred Turmeric 'Bhandara'
Pune, May 15, 2026: The Maharashtra government is preparing to introduce a special regulatory policy for the famous “Halad Bhandara” used at Jejuri Fort, one of the state’s most revered pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Khandoba. The move aims to ensure the purity, safety and proper regulation of the turmeric powder widely used by devotees during religious rituals.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) department has been directed to frame guidelines that prioritise transparency and public health. The initiative comes after concerns were raised over safety following a recent fire incident allegedly linked to the excessive use of Bhandara on the Jejuri fort premises.
The matter was also discussed in the Maharashtra Assembly, after which a high-level meeting was convened to formulate measures for regulating the sacred turmeric product. The meeting was attended by MLA Vikram Pachpute, MLA Mahesh Shinde, MLA Raju Navghare, senior FDA officials and local administrators.
Authorities stated that turmeric Bhandara sold at religious sites must now be made only from pure turmeric. Vendors will also be required to obtain licences under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 before selling the product. Officials believe this step will help curb the sale of adulterated turmeric and allow stricter legal action against violators.
Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal has instructed the administration to remain vigilant and ensure proper enforcement. Under the proposed framework, the Jejuri Municipal Council and the Health Department will implement three major measures focused on safety, awareness and health monitoring.
Key Measures Planned by Authorities
- Safety Regulations: Introduction of safety norms for the use and handling of Bhandara within the temple premises.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Installation of information boards to help devotees identify pure turmeric Bhandara.
- Health Inspection Drives: Special quality checks and inspection campaigns by the Health Department to monitor the product’s purity and safety.
Officials said the legal classification of Jejuri’s Halad Bhandara is also significant. While the term “Bhandara” generally refers to free food distribution, in Jejuri it is used as sacred turmeric for religious rituals and as prasad. Since it does not fall strictly under cosmetic or medicinal use, the FDA is expected to create a separate regulatory framework specifically for its religious usage.
Speaking on the issue, Minister Narhari Zirwal said Jejuri is considered the “Golden Temple of Maharashtra” and maintaining the purity of its sacred Bhandara is the government’s responsibility. He added that the administration is committed to protecting the faith of devotees while ensuring they receive safe and unadulterated turmeric Bhandara.
The proposed policy is being viewed as a major step towards giving legal recognition to Jejuri’s traditional turmeric Bhandara while strengthening action against adulteration at religious places across the state.
