Varanasi police allegedly forcibly reserved ganga ghats for chhath puja 2025

By Abhishek Sharma Edited By: Abhishek Sharma Updated: Thu, 23 Oct 2025 05:24 (IST) Controversy has arisen over the alleged forced reservation of Ganga ghats by the police for Chhath Puja in Varanasi. Local people claim that the police have been ‘checking’ the ghats for some people, which has angered them. There has been no response from the authorities on this matter yet. Every year in Banaras incidents of breaking the ghats with the intimidation of uniforms come to light. Jagran Correspondent, Varanasi. The tradition of piercing the banks of water sources on the occasion of Chhath Puja is common in Purvanchal. But every year in Banaras incidents of breaking the ghats with the intimidation of uniforms come to light. In recent years there have been reports of a ghat being destroyed in the name of Daroga Ji on the Varuna coast. This time also on Thursday police bullies named Shubham, Pankaj, Prakash, Bablu and Pappu were seen at Samne Ghat located on the banks of Ganga. Remove Advertisement Only Read News An attempt was made to create pressure by writing to the police instead of preparing an altar for Chhath Puja at the ghat. People leave that place and move forward after seeing the picture of police demolishing the ghat by writing it in red paint on the ghat. This scene became a matter of concern not only to the local people but also to the devotees. Chhath Puja is an important festival in which devotees worship the Sun God and Chhathi Mai. On this occasion, people gather on the banks of water sources and pray according to their devotion. But when incidents of breaking the ghat happen due to police intimidation, it affects the sanctity of the festival. Local people say that this kind of behavior of the police is not only inappropriate but also plays with the sentiments of the devotees. Space is required to worship at the ghats, and devotees face problems when the police cordon off the space. This time the action by the police at the ghat created anger among the people. Devotees say that they have to fight for their place of worship, while it is their right to perform their religious duties. These types of incidents are seen every year during Chhath Puja, and it is necessary for the administration to pay attention to it. It is the responsibility of the administration to respect the sentiments of the devotees and provide them with a proper place to worship. It is hoped that such incidents will not happen in the future and devotees will be able to perform their religious duties without any hindrance. The festival of Chhath Puja is a symbol of unity and reverence for all, and it should not be affected by such bullying. The incidents of digging ghats during Chhath Puja in Banaras has once again become a topic of discussion, and it is necessary for the administration to seriously consider it.