Devotees demand tarpan ghat on the bank of Barak river in Silchar

SILCHAR: With the beginning of Pitri Paksha of paying obeisance to parents as a mark of respect to departed souls of forefathers, devoted Hindus who still follow the tradition of religious rituals continuing for ages have revived the demand for a sacred platform on the bank of Barak river at Annapurna Ghat, close to the holy temple of Goddess Durga of this town. The 15 day long ritual period began on September 2 to conclude on September 17, the day of Mahalaya that invokes the goddess deity to her paternal home on this earth with her children from Mount Kailash.

Piyush Chakraborty, a senior citizen, who did take the initiative for the construction of a concrete platform with the help of some NGOs, said during the 3 day Navami Barak festival of 2017, a proposal for the construction of the ghat with design, plan and estimate was submitted to the Silchar municipal board for consideration and action. He pointed out the platform would not only be used for tarpan but for other important sacred occasions after Hindu tradition and culture is river based.

But, unfortunate as Chakraborty said there has been no response yet from the authority concerned. The construction of ghat will at the same time protect and save the age old temple of goddess Durga which is threatened by the erosion of river Barak. A copy of the memorandum on the matter was submitted to the then Deputy Commissioner of Cachar S Viswanathan who lauded the move of the NGOs and assured of proper action. His transfer from here could not make any headway. Chakraborty hopes BJP leaders will exert their good offices to fulfil the long cherished demand of pious Hindus.

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