Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reviewed the preparations for the upcoming Chhath festival by inspecting the Ganga ghats in the state capital. He directed officials to make necessary arrangements for the devotees and visitors, including cleanliness, security, and facilities like changing rooms and toilets. The festival will be celebrated on November 7 and 8 and is a major Hindu festival celebrated in several parts of India.
The upcoming Chhath festival in Patna is expected to witness favorable weather conditions, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The festival will be celebrated on November 7 and 8, and devotees are eagerly preparing for the grand occasion.
Background on Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun god, Surya, and his wife, Usha. It is widely celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and other states of Eastern India. The festival honors the Sun for sustaining life on Earth and seeking blessings for prosperity and good health.
Preparations in Patna
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recently inspected the Ganga ghats in Patna, where the main celebrations of Chhath will take place. He directed officials to ensure all necessary arrangements for the devotees, including cleanliness, security, and facilities like changing rooms and toilets.
The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been working tirelessly to ensure that the ghats are clean and well-prepared for the festival. Street vendors have been allocated designated areas to ensure that the ghats remain clutter-free.
IMD's Weather Forecast
The IMD has predicted clear and sunny weather for Patna during Chhath Puja. Temperatures are expected to be comfortable, ranging from a minimum of 12 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 28 degrees Celsius. There is no significant rainfall forecast during the festival period.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the significance of Chhath Puja? Ans: Chhath Puja is a festival that honors the Sun god, Surya, and his wife, Usha, for sustaining life on Earth. Devotees offer prayers to the Sun and observe rigorous rituals, including fasting and standing in water for extended periods.
2. When is Chhath Puja celebrated? Ans: Chhath Puja is celebrated on the sixth day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which usually falls in November. This year, the festival will be celebrated on November 7 and 8.
3. Where is Chhath Puja most widely celebrated? Ans: Chhath Puja is predominantly celebrated in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and other Eastern Indian states.
4. What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja? Ans: The main rituals of Chhath Puja include fasting, offering prayers to the Sun, standing in water, and offering food and water to the Sun. Devotees also perform a traditional dance called 'Ghamat' during the festival.
5. What precautions should devotees take during Chhath Puja? Ans: Devotees should follow all health and safety precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight, and seeking medical attention if necessary. They should also be aware of their surroundings and take precautions against any potential hazards.
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The Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, celebrated Chhath Puja with his family and top BJP leaders, including National President JP Nadda and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary. The leaders inspected the arrangements made by the district administration for devotees to offer prayers to Lord Surya at 108 locations along the banks of the Ganga River. The festival, known for its cultural and spiritual significance in Bihar, has drawn lakhs of people to the Chhath Ghats in Patna, with the Chief Minister personally overseeing preparations for security, cleanliness, and crowd management.
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The Chhath puja celebration in Delhi's Geeta Colony took a disappointing turn as devotees were met with a dry ghat. Outraged by the lack of water, devotees staged a protest and demanded answers from the government. In response, the Delhi government made arrangements for puja at 1,000 different spots in the city, but did not allow the Chhat puja to be performed at the polluted Yamuna ghats. Amidst the chaos, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, JP Nadda, and Lalu Yadav were seen offering prayers at the Ganga ghats.