Bhopal Railway Division Implements Special Arrangements for Chhath Festival Travelers
Bhopal Railway Division enhances services for Chhath festival with special trains and cultural music at major stations.
Bhopal, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : The Bhopal division of the West Central Railway has made special arrangements for passengers traveling to Bihar during the Chhath festival. In light of the festivities, traditional Chhath songs are being played at major railway stations, and additional security measures have been implemented.
According to railway officials, traditional songs are being broadcast through public announcement systems at Rani Kamalapati, Itarsi, Bina, and Guna railway stations before the departure of special trains heading towards Bihar. This initiative aims to create a festive atmosphere for travelers returning to their home states to celebrate Chhath Puja, a four-day festival of significant religious and cultural importance, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Popular folk songs such as “Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugelan Suruj Dev,” “Kanch Hi Baans Ke Bahangiya,” and “Chhathi Maiya Ke Karab Hum Vartiya” are resonating throughout the station premises, immersing the area in a devotional ambiance and evoking memories of culture and family for the passengers.
In addition to the cultural initiatives, the railway has bolstered security. Extra ticket-checking personnel and Railway Protection Force (RPF) officers have been deployed at key stations. CCTV cameras are also being utilized to monitor passenger activities and enhance safety.
Saurabh Kataria, the senior divisional commercial manager of the Bhopal division, stated, “Special arrangements have been made to ensure safe and smooth travel for passengers during the festival. Additional inspection staff and RPF personnel have been stationed at key stations, while continuous monitoring is conducted through CCTV cameras.”
Kataria emphasized that playing traditional Chhath songs aims to connect travelers with the nation’s diverse cultural traditions and make their journeys more enjoyable.
Chhath Puja is dedicated to the worship of Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, during which devotees observe strict fasts and offer prayers to the setting and rising sun for the prosperity and well-being of their families. This year, the festival will commence on November 13, with the “Kharna” ritual observed on November 14. On November 15, devotees will offer evening prayers to the setting sun, and the festival will conclude on November 16 with morning prayers to the rising sun, marking the end of their fast.
During Chhath Puja, a large number of people travel from various parts of the country to their home states. Managing and ensuring the safety of these travelers presents a significant challenge for the railway authorities.
