The Rabindra Sarobar lake in Kolkata will remain closed from Friday midnight to Sunday noon to prevent Chhath puja devotees from performing rituals in the waterbody.
Fifteen ghats in the city have been prepared for the Chhat puja devotees instead.
The 15 ghats have been prepared at Patuli, Jodhpur Park, Katju Nagar in Jadavpur, Layalka in Bijoygarh, Taratala Nature Park and one each near Fortis and Ruby hospital, two in Regent Estate, three each in Golf Garden and Kasba.
All the ghats will be kept illuminated. Concrete steps have been built in all the ghats to help the devotees descend into the water to perform rituals. The ghats have been equipped with a podium each for cultural activities, toilets, changing rooms and help kiosks.
Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has built around 100 ghats across the city for Chhath puja, some of which are temporary.
All rituals were already prohibited in the Rabindra Sarobar following an order from National Green Tribunal. In spite of that, Chhat puja rituals were carried out in the Sarobar last year.
All rituals were already prohibited in the Rabindra Sarobar following an order from National Green Tribunal. In spite of that, Chhat puja rituals were carried out in the Sarobar last year.
This year however, KMDA authorities have decided to keep the waterbody closed for common people to prevent the recurrence of such nuisance. This year, the puja rituals will be performed on Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
