Manihari Ghat

 

Manihari Ghat: A Picturesque Gateway Awaiting Development

My frequent work trips to Sahibganj in eastern Jharkhand offered little variation. However, on one occasion, I had the unique opportunity to travel by steamer from Manihari Ghat, located in Bihar's Katihar district, across the Ganges River to Sahibganj. The two-hour journey was a picturesque voyage, allowing me to capture the beauty of the Ganges and its surroundings.

Unfortunately, the lack of a bridge connecting Manihari Ghat to Sahibganj forces travelers to rely on small boats or steamers. This has been a longstanding issue causing inconvenience to the local population.

Interestingly, the area boasts a rich cinematic history. During the 1950s and 1960s, it served as a backdrop for numerous Bhojpuri and Hindi films. Notably, the legendary Bengali filmmaker Vimal Roy filmed a sequence for his iconic movie "Bandini" here. The scene featured Ashok Kumar, portraying a sickly character, crossing the river by steamer to meet his wife, played by Nutan. The heartwarming song "O re Manjhi, Mere Saajan Hai Us Paar” sung by S.D. Burman played in the background, and stills from the film are still displayed at the Manihari railway station.

However, the passage of time has brought significant changes to Manihari Ghat. Since "Bandini" was filmed in 1963, a bridge hasn't materialized, despite the railway connecting the eastern states on the other side of the river. Additionally, severe soil erosion has drastically altered the landscape.

In the past, Manihari Ghat enjoyed a vibrant economic and cultural significance. During the British Raj, steamers plied the narrow lanes of Jharkhand to Manihari Ghat for trade purposes, attracting filmmakers as well. Proposals for the beautification of the ghat and its steps have been submitted to various governments but remain unaddressed. The monsoon season further exacerbates the situation, with mud and slush making the ghat virtually inaccessible.

There is, however, a glimmer of hope. In April 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a 6-kilometer bridge across the Ganges, connecting Sahibganj in Jharkhand with Manihari Ghat in Bihar's Katihar district. This project has rekindled hope for a more seamless connection and the potential revitalization of the area.

Pictures details-- Local boats and steamers parked at Manihari Ghat.

Text and Photos by: Ashok Karan, Ashokkaran.blogspot.com

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