The sacred cremation grounds of Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat faced an unprecedented crisis this week. The family of the Dom Raja, the traditional custodians of the site, issued a stern 72-hour ultimatum to local authorities. They threatened to halt all cremation rituals if rampant encroachment by pyre wood traders and petty vendors was not immediately cleared.
A Sacred Space Under Siege
The protest was led by Vishwanath Chaudhary of the Dom Raja family, who expressed deep concern over the deteriorating conditions at one of Hinduism's most revered Mahashmashan (cremation grounds). The encroachers had taken over critical areas, including the Madhi and the terrace that serves as the family's traditional seat from where the sacred 'Agni' (fire) is provided for cremations.
Chaudhary detailed how the areas behind the Shmashan Nath temple and designated waiting zones for visitors and funeral processions had been overrun. "Our workers work round the clock at the cremation ground and if they can't find any place to rest and sleep, how will they work?" he questioned. He further explained that the illegal stacking of pyre wood had damaged ancient stone structures and made the ghat steps perilous for visitors.
Official Intervention and Swift Action
Frustrated by the lack of action despite previous pleas to the Police Commissioner and Municipal Commissioner, Chaudhary formalized his warning on Wednesday afternoon. The notification prompted an immediate response from the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) and local police.
A joint raid was conducted at the ghats, leading to the removal of numerous petty shops that had mushroomed illegally. Dashaswamedh Ghat ACP Atul Anjan Tripathi stated that traders encroaching on the ghat, Madhi, and waiting areas were given until Thursday noon to remove their wood stock. Those claiming to have licenses for specific areas were ordered to produce relevant documents by the same deadline for verification by the VMC and concerned departments.
Uncertain Future for the Ghats
While some encroachments were swiftly cleared following the threat, Chaudhary maintained that the 72-hour clock was still ticking. He affirmed that if the entire encroachment was not removed within the stipulated time, the Dom Raja family would be compelled to stop all cremation activities—a move that would bring the eternal cycle of rituals at the ghat to a standstill.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between commercial activities and the sanctity of traditional spaces in India's ancient city of Kashi. The authorities' subsequent scramble to clear the ghats underscores the critical role and authority of the Dom Raja family in Varanasi's spiritual ecosystem. The next steps will depend on a sustained enforcement drive to preserve the functionality and sanctity of Manikarnika Ghat.
