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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#Sahibganj #Katihar #IndianHeritage #RiverTravel #FilmLocation #Bandini
#Development #Infrastructure #Bridge #Tourism #Travel #ExploreIndia
#IndianHistory #CulturalHeritage #Photography #AshokKaran
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