Good news for devotees: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inspected 109 Chhath Ghats.

Patna October 26, 2024: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has taken proactive measures to ensure smooth arrangements for the upcoming Chhath festival in Patna.

On Saturday, Kumar conducted an inspection of the Ganga Ghats, where thousands of devotees are expected to gather for the four-day festival dedicated to Surya Upasana (Worship of the Sun), beginning on November 5, shortly after Diwali.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar accompanied by ministers and officials:

During the inspection, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was accompanied by key officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Water Resource Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary. Boarding a steamer from the Nasriganj Ghat, the team reviewed preparations across various Ghats along the Ganga River.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar issued detailed guidelines to ensure comprehensive facilities for Chhath devotees, including safety, cleanliness, lighting and accessibility.

Speaking to the media persons, Kumar emphasized the government’s commitment: “The preparations are progressing rapidly. Everything will be in place to facilitate a smooth experience for devotees.”

His involvement highlights the administration’s focus on making this significant folk festival safe, accessible, and comfortable for all attendees.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar instructed officials to make all arrangements:

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has issued strict directives to the Patna District Magistrate to ensure there is no laxity in preparations for the Chhath festival for the convenience of devotees.

Preparations are actively underway with District Magistrate Dr Chandrashekher Singh closely overseeing the arrangements. A total of 109 Ghats in Patna’s urban areas will be available for Chhath devotees to do the rituals. However, the escalated water level of the Ganga can poses additional challenges, requiring the administration to take extra safety measures.

To address these challenges, the administration is implementing robust measures to manage the crowd, ensure safe access, and maintain cleanliness, aiming to make this year’s Chhath festival as smooth and secure as possible for the large number of devotees expected to attend.

To ensure effective management and safety, the Ghats have been divided into 19 sectors, with each sector assigned a dedicated magistrate. The administration is also expected to release a list of potentially dangerous Ghats soon, where performing Chhath rituals will be prohibited to maintain public safety.

Chhath festival starts from November 5:

The Chhath festival will follow its traditional schedule with Nahai-Khaai on November 5, the ritual of cleansing and purification. Kharna is on November 6, when the devotees will observe a day-long fast, breaking it in the evening with a ritual meal of (Khir-Chappati).

Sandhya Arghya is scheduled on November 7, when devotees will offer water to the setting Sun and Ughta Arghya on November 8, the festival concludes with an early morning offering to the rising Sun.

Also Read: Nitish Kumar conducted the aerial survey of flood-affected regions.

EOM.