Bihar Celebrates Chhath Puja with Vibrant Festivities and Community Spirit
Bihar is alive with festive cheer as Chhath Puja draws devotees to the banks of the Ganges for prayers and celebrations.
Patna, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : The state of Bihar is currently immersed in the spirit of Chhath Puja, a major festival dedicated to the sun god. Devotees will offer prayers to the setting sun on Sunday evening, followed by offerings to the rising sun on Monday morning, marking the conclusion of this four-day celebration.
Celebrations are evident from the banks of the Ganges in Patna to the narrow lanes of villages and urban neighborhoods. The air is filled with traditional Chhath songs, as families prepare for the rituals. Meanwhile, youth and community organizations are actively engaged in cleaning streets and decorating the ghats. Streets adorned with colorful lights and illuminated ghats are drawing crowds, creating an atmosphere of devotion and enthusiasm.
Local authorities have made extensive preparations for the festival, especially in Patna. Special arrangements for the convenience, safety, and cleanliness of devotees have been established at the Ganges ghats and nearby ponds. Under the district administration’s directives, ghats from Danapur to Patna City have been readied for the festivities. A total of 90 Ganges ghats and 62 permanent and temporary pond ghats have been set up for Chhath Puja.
In total, 103 Ganges ghats have been prepared, including six in Danapur, 37 in Patna Sadar, and around 80 in Patna City. However, for safety reasons, 13 ghats have been declared unsafe and will be off-limits to worshippers. Authorities have cordoned off these areas and deployed security personnel to prevent access. In addition to the Ganges ghats, 62 ponds have also been prepared with the assistance of local puja committees to facilitate offerings close to home.
Special attention is being given to cleanliness, lighting, access routes, and other essential amenities at the ghats. Given the expected large crowds, magistrates, police officers, and volunteers will be stationed at all major ghats. Teams from the NDRF and SDRF will be on standby to handle any emergencies. Hospitals, including PMCH, IGIMS, AIIMS, and private facilities along the Ganges, have also reserved beds for medical emergencies.
The significance of this festival extends beyond religious rituals; it showcases community involvement as well. Locals, including youth and community organizations, are actively participating in cleaning efforts. Puja committees are busy adorning neighborhoods and public spaces with decorations. The sound of traditional Chhath songs resonates from homes to community areas. After offering prayers to the setting sun on Sunday evening, devotees will honor the rising sun on Monday morning, culminating in the festival’s conclusion with the rituals of parana, celebrating faith, purity, and nature worship.
