Calcutta High Court Bans Chhath Puja Processions Across West Bengal

The Calcutta High Court (HC) banned Chhath Puja processions across West Bengal on Tuesday, November 10.Given the social distancing norms mandated amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the court has allowed only two persons from each family to enter a water body and offer puja on the occasion. Furthermore, devotees have been prohibited from entering two of the largest lakes - Rabindra Sarobar and Subhas Sarobar - in the state.

Notably, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had also banned Chhath Puja festivities at Rabindra Sarobar earlier. The state has also been directed to impose restrictions under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to prevent a large crowd from assembling in any area.

Also Read: Chhat Puja: A Festival That Connects Devotees With The Nature

What You Should Know: 

• The Calcutta High Court (HC) banned Chhath Puja processions across West Bengal.
• The HC has allowed only two persons from each family to enter a water body and offer puja on the occasion.
• Devotees have been prohibited from entering two of the largest lakes - Rabindra Sarobar and Subhas Sarobar.
• The court has also made it mandatory to wear masks during the celebrations.
• The HC has also banned the bursting of crackers to ensure more environmentally conscious celebrations. 

Calcutta HC Bans Chhath Puja Processions Across West Bengal

As reported by Hindustan Times, apart from the two members allowed to enter water bodies for the puja, other family members will observe Chhath Puja from or around their homes. High Court Advocate Sabyasachi Chatterjee said, “The court has banned Chhath Puja processions. Only two persons from a family can enter any water body to perform the puja. Devotees coming in vehicles will have to maintain social distance and not all will be allowed to get down.” The court has also made it mandatory to wear masks during the celebrations.

In 2019, hundreds of devotees violated the NGT’s ban and performed the Chhath Puja rituals at Rabindra Sarobar. The devotees also went on to burst crackers and play the drums at the Sarobar even though the government had set aside alternative water bodies in the city for conducting the festive rituals. Ensuring that the same does not take place this year, the Calcutta HC said on Tuesday, “As far as the Subhas Sarobar and Rabindra Sarobar are concerned, in view of the subsisting order of the NGT, these water bodies will be totally out of bounds for Chhath Puja celebrations.”

Also Read: Calcutta High Court Directs Parents To Remit 80% Of School Fees Demanded For Aug And Sept

Environmentally Conscious Celebrations?

Overall, the state has taken various measures to ensure that festivals are celebrated in a more environmentally conscious manner. Earlier this month, the HC had banned the bursting of fireworks during all kinds of pujas, including the Kali Puja and Chhath Puja. Furthermore, police officials have been ordered to ensure that no crackers are sold or used in Kolkata as the Calcutta HC and the NGT have banned bursting of crackers till November 30.

Tarini Gandhiok is an intern with SheThePeople.TV