Bhagalpur Celebrates Chhath Festival with Vibrant Decorations and Enhanced Security Measures

Bhagalpur, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : The city of Bhagalpur is in full festive spirit as it prepares for the Chhath Festival, a significant occasion for local devotion. Various key intersections across the city have been beautifully decorated with themes related to the festival, featuring images of Chhathi Maiya, colorful lights, and decorative elements. Welcome arches and LED screens throughout the city display images and messages associated with Chhath, filling the air with traditional songs.

Residents are buzzing with excitement. Numerous social and worship committees have collaborated with local authorities, actively participating in the preparations. Special officers and staff have been deployed at all Chhath ghats to ensure prompt resolutions to any issues that may arise during the festival. The district administration, municipal corporation, and police are working together to ensure the event is organized, clean, safe, and festive.

District Magistrate Alankrita Pandey conducted an inspection at the Barari Ghat to assess cleanliness and facilities for devotees. During her visit, she reviewed the sanitation arrangements and instructed officials to maintain regular cleaning in and around the ghat area.

She also examined the toilets and changing rooms established for the convenience of devotees, emphasizing the importance of keeping them clean and functional. The District Magistrate directed that no inconvenience should be faced by visitors, especially women and those observing the fast, and that all necessary arrangements should be made in a timely manner.

In light of recent fluctuations in water levels, the administration has taken precautions to ensure the safety of Chhath devotees at Barari Ghat. The wet soil and slippery conditions have prompted the placement of sandbags in sensitive areas and the establishment of safe zones with barricades.

The edges and muddy areas of the ghat have been stabilized with sandbags and other measures to prevent any difficulties for devotees. Warning markers made of red cloth have been placed in areas where slippery conditions may persist, allowing devotees to identify and avoid these spots.

Authorities have assured that there are ample safe bathing areas available at the ghat. Devotees are urged to bathe carefully, considering the changing water levels, and to adhere strictly to the guidelines issued by the administration. The district administration noted that these arrangements were developed dynamically, with necessary provisions made within just 24 hours.

Meanwhile, a cultural program celebrating the traditions of Chhath was organized on Friday at Barari Ganga Ghat, under the joint auspices of the Bihar government‘s Department of Art and Culture and the Bhagalpur district administration. The event featured folk singing and group dances that conveyed messages of religious faith, respect for nature, and the importance of cleanliness in the Ganges.

Arpita Chaudhary and her team delivered captivating performances of traditional folk songs centered around the Chhath Festival. The artists expressed devotion to Ganga Maiya, Chhathi Maiya, and the divine through their songs, while also promoting messages of environmental conservation and social awareness.

On this occasion, students from the Amrapali Art Training Center presented group folk dances and vibrant cultural tableaux based on Chhath Puja. Led by Rajkumari Chandrakanta Yadav, the performers brought to life the cultural aspects of Chhath rituals and the worship of the sun.

District Art and Culture Officer Ankit Ranjan stated that the festival aims to connect Bhagalpur’s major Ganga ghats with cultural activities during the Chhath Festival. He also mentioned that a series of cultural programs will be held at the Namami Ganga Ghat in Sultan Ganj on the day of Chhath’s Parana.