Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited the Chhath Ghat in Patna to assess the facilities for Chhath devotees and emphasized the need for preparedness and support for the festival. He instructed officials to remain vigilant and ensure cleanliness and smooth traffic flow at the Ghats. Kumar also inaugurated the Ganga Utsav at the JP Setu/Digha Ghat and extended his warm greetings to the people for the Chhath festival, highlighting its essence of selflessness and humanity. The festival will be celebrated at 109 Ghats in the urban area of Patna this year.
Background
Chhath Puja is a significant Hindu festival observed primarily in the states of Bihar and Jharkhand. It is dedicated to the sun god, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya, who is believed to protect children and bring good fortune. The festival is celebrated over four days, with devotees observing rigorous rituals and fasting.
Patna's Chhath Ghats
Patna, the capital of Bihar, is renowned for its vibrant Chhath Puja celebrations. The city boasts numerous Ghats (steps leading to a river) along the Ganga River, where devotees gather to perform the rituals. The most prominent Ghats include:
Preparations by the Patna Government
The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has undertaken extensive preparations to ensure a smooth and safe Chhath Puja for devotees. The CM has emphasized the need for preparedness and support and has instructed officials to:
Ganga Utsav Inauguration
In addition to the Chhath Puja preparations, CM Kumar also inaugurated the Ganga Utsav at the JP Setu/Digha Ghat. The festival aims to promote awareness about the Ganga River and its cultural significance.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When is Chhath Puja celebrated in Patna? Chhath Puja will be celebrated from October 28 to October 31, 2023, in Patna.
2. How many Ghats will be used for Chhath Puja in Patna? 109 Ghats will be used for Chhath Puja celebrations in the urban area of Patna this year.
3. What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja? The main rituals include fasting, bathing in the river, offering prayers to the sun god, and making offerings of fruits and vegetables.
4. What is the significance of Ganga Utsav? Ganga Utsav aims to raise awareness about the Ganga River and its cultural, religious, and environmental importance.
5. How does the Patna government prepare for Chhath Puja? The Patna government undertakes extensive preparations, including cleanliness drives, traffic management, security arrangements, medical facilities, and emergency response teams.
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