Finally, the Chhath Puja problem at Rasbari Ghat has been resolved. For many years, thousands of Hindi-speaking people have been conducting Chhath Puja ceremonies and religious rituals at the Rasbari Ganga Ghat in Bali. However, like the past few years, this year too, the Rasbari authorities, Shivkrishna Daw’s ‘debottor estate’, raised objections regarding devotees' use of the ghat for Chhath Puja. Taking a stand against the religious ceremonies of so many people and objecting to devotees' entry during Chhath Puja, they approached the Calcutta High Court.
Responding to their petition, the court issued an injunction against entry into the Rasbari premises. Due to the court's order, the police administration faced major problems regarding the religious practices of so many people. Devotees also faced difficulties. They finally appealed to the Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court against the Single Bench's order. The two judges of the Division Bench considered the devotees' petition and granted permission to use the ghat only for the two days of Chhath Puja. As a result, the complications regarding Chhath Puja were resolved this year as well.
The Rasbari authorities claimed that the uncontrolled crowds for the religious practices of so many people and ceremonies like lighting fires following Chhath Puja customs could damage their nearly 150-year-old ancient temple complex and other heritage properties.
However, the court has instructed the administration to arrange proper security and maintenance there to ensure no damage occurs to the debottar property. Former Bali councillor and Howrah Youth Trinamool president Kailas Mishra went to inspect those arrangements on Saturday. Other party leaders were also with him that day. The Rasbari Ghat Chhath Puja Committee has also welcomed the court's order. Devotees are also happy that obstacles to Chhath Puja have been removed.
Kailas said that day, "Chhath Puja devotees worship here for two days a year. They perform their religious ceremonies. I would request these temple authorities not to create obstacles every year like this, but to cooperate so that the ceremony can proceed smoothly with everyone's cooperation. Many thanks to the court as well for responding to the devotees' petition and removing obstacles to Chhath Puja."
He appealed for everyone to participate peacefully in Chhath Puja. Later that day, Bali MLA and Bali Municipality administrator Rana Chattopadhyay also inspected Rasbari Ghat.
