By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: This year’s Chhath Puja at the historic Surya Mandir, located within the Bihta Air Force campus near Patna, faces disruption due to the presence of a leopard in the area. The leopard’s movement over the past eight days has instilled fear among Air Force personnel, affecting recent festivals like Dhanteras and Diwali. The Air Force administration has imposed a temporary ban on worship at the ancient temple, prompting protests from villagers in nearby Gokhulpur.
On Friday, local residents gathered near the Gokhulpur gate to request permission for cleaning around the temple premises in preparation for Chhath Puja, only to find the gate closed. Villagers protested, frustrated by restricted access to a temple that has long been a focal point for worshippers during the annual festival.
The Surya Mandir predates the Air Force base and has been a traditional site for Chhath Puja, attracting thousands of devotees from surrounding districts. However, the presence of the leopard has led the Air Force administration to close the temple and restrict public access to ensure safety.
Dimple Devi, a local resident, expressed her disappointment, noting that the temple is a cherished site where devotees gather each year for Chhath Puja. Ward 1 councillor of Bihta Nagar Parishad, Suman Singh, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the community’s efforts in preparing for Chhath and lamenting the enforced closure of the temple gate.
In response, Forest Department DFO Gaurav Ojha stated that teams are actively combing the area, working to capture the leopard before Chhath Puja, to allow devotees to safely resume their rituals without disruption.
