Harahi Pond
Harahi Pond, or Harihi Pokhar, is another one of the three major, interconnected historical water bodies in central Darbhanga, located in close proximity to the Darbhanga Junction railway station. It is a large, rectangular pond that, like Dighi and Ganga Sagar, was part of the traditional water man agement system of the region. The pond's name, Harahi, is particularly evocative, linked to a fascinating local legend. The name is said to derive from Har (Bone), suggesting the "Bone Lake" or Ahi (Serpent), giving rise to the name Harihi. The popular local tradition attributes the name to an ancient story involving Raja Siva Singh and a fisherwoman, where a kite dropped a woman's arm with a golden bracelet into the water, and the subsequent excavation revealed the skeleton (Har), hence the name Harahi or Bone Tank. Historically, it has been conjectured that these large-scale excavations were done to use the earth to create raised ground for military barracks or civilian settlements, especially as Darbhanga was once believed to be a Musalman cantonment. Today, its proximity to the railway station makes it one of the first significant landmarks a visitor sees upon entering the city by train. The pond is a vital part of the city's ecosystem and culture, hosting local life and religious rituals, particularly the annual Chhath Puja, and serving as a key local reference point due to its prominent location.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
45 Minutes:Place Type:
Water Body/City Landmark:Entry Fees:
Access to the Pond: Harahi Pokhar is a public water body and city landmark, and there is No Entry Fee for visiting the banks or walking the perimeter.
Fees for Services: While access is free, there may be a nominal fee for parking a private ...Access to the Pond: Harahi Pokhar is a public water body and city landmark, and there is No Entry Fee for visiting the banks or walking the perimeter.
Fees for Services: While access is free, there may be a nominal fee for parking a private vehicle in the adjacent areas, especially due to its proximity to the busy railway station. Local vendors may charge for specific services.
Festival Donations: During Chhath Puja, voluntary donations for cleaning and lighting are often collected by local organizations, but this is not a mandatory entry fee.
Boat Rides: Boat rides are not a standard feature, and hence, no regular fee exists for this activity. :Timing:
Regular Timings: As a public space, it is accessible 24 hours a day. The busiest times are during train arrivals/departures and during the evening for local strolls.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time is in the cool winter months (October to M...Regular Timings: As a public space, it is accessible 24 hours a day. The busiest times are during train arrivals/departures and during the evening for local strolls.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time is in the cool winter months (October to March). The optimal time of day is the early morning (5:30 AM to 7:00 AM) for quiet contemplation and bird-watching, or the late afternoon (4:30 PM to 6:00 PM) to experience the city's evening rush and capture the sunset.
Mid-Day Avoidance: Avoid the intense heat of the summer mid-day (11:00 AM to 4:00 PM), as there is very little shade around the banks.
Peak Festival Time: If visiting during Chhath Puja, be prepared for a massive crowd and plan to arrive hours in advance of the ritual times. :Special Events:
Chhath Puja Festival: Like Dighi and Ganga Sagar, Harahi Pokhar is a critical venue for the annual four-day Chhath Puja (typically October/November). The pond's large ghats attract a massive number of devotees, and the banks are decorated with lighting, creating an electric...Chhath Puja Festival: Like Dighi and Ganga Sagar, Harahi Pokhar is a critical venue for the annual four-day Chhath Puja (typically October/November). The pond's large ghats attract a massive number of devotees, and the banks are decorated with lighting, creating an electric atmosphere for the worship of the Sun God.
Seasonal Fairs: Given its large, open embankments and its central location, the pond area occasionally hosts small seasonal festivals, temporary melas (fairs), or local community pujas that transform the area's usual traffic and atmosphere.
Railway-Related Events: Very occasionally, the area might be involved in public or ceremonial events related to the Darbhanga Junction railway, such as the flagging off of a new train or a railway-sponsored community event. :Best Photo Spots:
Railway Line and Water Reflection: The most unique photo is capturing a train (moving or stationary) with its reflection in the still water of the pond. This juxtaposition of ancient and modern is highly photogenic, especially at sunset.
The Em...Railway Line and Water Reflection: The most unique photo is capturing a train (moving or stationary) with its reflection in the still water of the pond. This juxtaposition of ancient and modern is highly photogenic, especially at sunset.
The Embankments and Ghats: Focus on the architectural elements of the ghats and the silhouettes of the people against the wide-open sky. The simple, functional design of the banks can be beautifully captured, especially using the wide expanse of water as a backdrop.
Golden Hour at the Junction: Photographing the pond and the nearby railway junction during the Golden Hour (sunrise/sunset) allows for warm, dramatic light, highlighting the urban-natural contrast and the heavy activity of the central location.
Signage and Historical Context: Capture the pond's name or a historical sign (if present) to give context to the "Bone Tank" legend in your photo series. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Take a Walk Near the Station: Walk the perimeter of the pond, especially the side facing the railway station. This offers a unique chance to watch trains arriving and departing across the backdrop of the large water body.
Observe Local Commuter Life: The area near Harahi Pond is busy with commuters due to the railway station. Sit and observe the continuous flow of city life, from cycle rickshaws to pedestrians, and how they interact with the pond as a central landmark.
Photography of the Contrast: Focus your photography on the contrast between the still water of the pond and the moving trains or the railway infrastructure, which symbolizes the clash of ancient heritage and modern connectivity.
Visit during Chhath Puja: If visiting in October/November, witness the ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Proximity to Railway Station: Its primary fame comes from its location right near the Darbhanga Junction railway station. It is one of the first major landmarks seen upon arrival, making it a highly recognizable and often-photographed feature of the city's immediate entry p...Proximity to Railway Station: Its primary fame comes from its location right near the Darbhanga Junction railway station. It is one of the first major landmarks seen upon arrival, making it a highly recognizable and often-photographed feature of the city's immediate entry point.
The "Bone Tank" Legend: The unique and somewhat dramatic local legend linking its name to the discovery of a "bone" and a golden bracelet makes it famous in local folklore and history, distinguishing it from the other city ponds.
Part of the "Three Pokhars": It is famous as one of the essential triad of large, ancient ponds (Dighi, Ganga Sagar, Harahi), highlighting its role in the historical water management and traditional urban layout of Darbhanga.
Spiritual and Festival Site: It is a key location for the annual Chhath Puja, attracting a large number of local devotees due to its size and accessibility. : -
Architecture:
Traditional Excavation and Utility: The architecture is typical of large, excavated Mithilanchal ponds, with a focus on a large, rectangular shape for maximum water retention. The primary architectural features are the earthwork embankments and the water surface itself.Traditional Excavation and Utility: The architecture is typical of large, excavated Mithilanchal ponds, with a focus on a large, rectangular shape for maximum water retention. The primary architectural features are the earthwork embankments and the water surface itself.
Dimension: Harahi Pond measures approximately 1,600 feet in length and 1,000 feet in width (487m x 304m approx. ), making it slightly smaller than Dighi and Ganga Sagar, but still a considerable body of water.
Embankments and Ghats: The banks are defined by strong tatbandh (embankments). Over time, simple ghats (steps) have been built, predominantly for ritual access and public use. The presence of the railway line nearby is a contrasting architectural element, setting it apart from the other two ponds.
Local Shrines: Simple, unadorned local shrines exist on the banks, reflecting the spiritual and community use of the water body. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Darbhanga Airport (DBR), about 6-7 KMS away. A short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride will take you to the pond area near the station. Patna Airport (PAT) is the main alternative, about 140 KMS away, requiring a long journey.
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Near Tourist Places:
Darbhanga Junction (0. 5 KMS), Dighi Pond (0. 5 KMS), Ganga Sagar Lake (1. 5 KMS), Chandradhari Museum (1. 5 KMS), Darbhanga Fort (2. 5 KMS), Shyama Kali Temple (3 KMS), Kankali Temple (3. 5 KMS), Manokamna Temple (3 KMS), Anandbagh Palace (3 KMS), Ahilya Asthan (15 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & safety: Be mindful of the high traffic due to the nearby railway station and main roads. Do not go too close to the edge of the ghats, as the water quality is poor, and depths are unknown. Keep your belongings secure, especially in the crowded railway area.
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