In Patna, Chhath Puja, one of the most significant festivals in Bihar, saw the presence of prominent leaders like Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, BJP President JP Nadda, Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary, and RJD leaders Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejaswi Yadav. They visited the Ganga Ghats to participate in the festivities and pray for the well-being of Bihar and India.
Extensive Arrangements and Security Measures
To manage the large crowds, the Bihar government implemented comprehensive arrangements across over 100 ghats. Medical camps, advisories for safety, and teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been stationed to ensure public safety. Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh confirmed these arrangements and noted that advisories were issued to guide visitors. Major ghats like Banshi Ghat, Krishna Ghat, and Kadam Ghat were especially prepared to accommodate the gatherings.
Four Days of Rituals
The four-day Chhath Puja began on November 5 with the ‘Nahai Khai’ ritual, in which devotees took a holy dip in the Ganges. The third day, known as ‘Sandhya Arghya,’ is dedicated to offering prayers to the setting sun. The festival will conclude on November 8 with the ‘Pehla Arghya,’ where prayers are offered to the rising sun. Chhath Puja holds special cultural and religious significance, as devotees seek blessings from the sun god for their families’ health, prosperity, and happiness.