Chhath Festival Kicks Off in Bihar with Rituals and Preparations

Patna, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : The Chhath festival, a significant occasion of public faith, commenced in Bihar on Friday with the traditional ‘Nahay-Khay’ rituals. From Muzaffarpur to Bhagalpur and Rohtas, devotees flocked to riverbanks early in the morning to perform their rituals. Participants bathed in the rivers, offered prayers, and partook of prasad consisting of arwa rice, chana dal, bottle gourd, and dishes prepared with the flowers of the August month.

At railway stations, special preparations were evident in anticipation of the festival. At Bhagalpur Junction, Mithila paintings showcased the significance of Chhath, while Sasaram Junction set up free health check-up camps for returning devotees.

Women performing the Chhath rituals gathered at the Sidhhi Ghat in Muzaffarpur, arriving at the Budhi Gandak River for bathing and worship. Hundreds of women participated in the rituals at various ghats, including Ashram Ghat, Lakdi Dhai Ghat, Chandwara Ghat, and Dadar Ghat.

Local residents such as Rekha Devi, Madhu Devi, Rishu Kumari, and Neelam Devi shared their experiences of beginning the festival with a sacred bath. They mentioned their plans to consume arwa rice, chana dal, and bottle gourd dishes seasoned with rock salt on this auspicious day.

Alka Devi, a Mithila painter from Madhubani, elaborated on her artwork displayed at Bhagalpur Railway Station, which illustrates the benefits of celebrating Chhath. She has previously contributed her paintings to several railway stations and public places across India, including Mysore, Bhopal, and Delhi, with government support.

Meanwhile, Manish Kumar, the Divisional Railway Manager of Malda, inspected the Bhagalpur Junction to ensure smooth travel for passengers returning home for the festival. He assessed the holding areas, rest zones, and entry-exit gates, providing directions to officials for better arrangements.

Kumar stated that special measures have been implemented for Chhath, and he plans to incorporate Manjusha art next year to reflect cultural identity. Currently, the railway administration is using paintings to highlight the festival’s significance while promoting cleanliness in the railway system.

In Rohtas, the markets are bustling in anticipation of the four-day festival. Vendors report a steady supply of fruits from various states, ensuring no price hikes in the coming days. Fruit sales are expected to continue at current prices.

At Sasaram Junction, the local hospital has organized a free health camp to cater to the health needs of travelers returning to Bihar for the festival, providing various tests at no cost.