Play a raunchy song this Puja and face the administration’s music, Patna district magistrate Manish Kumar Verma has made it loud and clear.

With Navratri beginning on Thursday and loudspeakers playing different albums on Kalash Sthapana day, the administration has come up with certain dos and don’ts for Puja organisers. Most notable is the bar on playing songs having double meanings. Any complaint in this regard by a resident or by special teams deputed by the district administration would be looked into seriously. “An FIR would be lodged and strict action taken against Puja organisers found playing such songs,” Patna district magistrate Manish Kumar Verma said.

Festival organisers often play raunchy songs during Puja, particularly at the time of immersion. However, this year, it is going to be tough. Verma said: “This is a time to play devotional songs. I don’t mind what they play behind closed doors but what they play in public falls under our jurisdiction. I have asked the Patna SSP to take punitive action where needed. Apart from legal action, Puja organisers who violate government orders would not get a licence to set up pandals and be a part of celebrations next year.”

The district magistrate has also set a guideline on cartoons and caricatures to be put up near Puja pandals. “Cartoons on the administration’s failure or even on me are fine, but nothing that could hurt religious sentiments will be allowed.” A joint team of the magistrate and police personnel would keep a tab, he said.

Manoj Kumar, Puja organiser and president of the Athletic Boys Club of Machua Toli, said: “Such a practice existed. We have asked our boys not to play raunchy song.”

President of Navyuvak Sangh Shree Durga Puja Samiti of Dakbungalow, Sanjeev Prasad Toni, said: “We’ve been installing idols for 53 years and never played any song. It was always prayer and band.”

On Thursday, the district magistrate and senior police officials inspected ghats for immersion and said Puja organisers who do not have licence will not be allowed to immerse idols. They are also monitoring pandals that have encroached upon roads. “We are making a list. Action would be taken against them after the Puja,” said Verma.