Patna: The state government on Friday postponed the date of Rajgir Mahotsav because of a controversy over its venue.

The event was to be held at Quila Maidan, which is under the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI's) restricted zone, from November 25 to 27.

"It will now be held from November 27 to 29 at a different venue," state tourism minister Pramod Kumar said. "The Nalanda district administration has been directed to select a venue and make necessary preparations."

The administration moved fast after the state government action and all details had been worked out by evening.

"The main events, including the cultural programmes, will be held at the Rajgir international convention centre," Nalanda district magistrate S.M. Thiyagarajan said. "The hockey zone near the convention centre and the Mela police station area would be used for organising other events."

But for the date and venue, the DM said, nothing else had changed for the Mahotsav.

The tourism minister and the DM said the conditions put forward by the ASI had led to the changes.

"We did not want to break any norms," Pramod Kumar said. "So we decided to change the venue.

Thiyagarajan said: "We had applied for ASI's permission on November 7, but unfortunately, because of some communication delay, we got the permission very late. Also, it came with several conditions and we didn't want to flout any of them. Hence, we have changed the venue."

There had been talk that the government had not obtained permission from ASI, a must in such cases. The ASI finally gave its nod on Thursday, but said no loudspeaker could be used after 10am, no food stalls could come up and the area could not be used for commercial purposes. It was tough for the district to adhere to such conditions.

The district administration is organising a Gram Shree Mela in which traders from states like Punjab, Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir and Jharkhand would exhibit their special items. Around 400 traders are expected to set up stalls at this fair.

A dedicated food zone would be set up where Bihar's special cuisine would be put for sale. Fast food lovers have not been overlooked; Domino's Pizza will set up a stall in the food zone.