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.
Chhath Puja: A Festival of Faith and Devotion in Bihar
Chhath Puja, a significant Hindu festival honoring Lord Surya (the Sun God), holds immense cultural and spiritual importance in the Indian state of Bihar. It is observed with great devotion and elaborate rituals, culminating in the offering of prayers to the rising and setting sun on the banks of the river Ganga.
Background:
Chhath Puja is an ancient festival with roots in Vedic traditions. It is believed to have originated in the Mithila region of Bihar, where it is still widely celebrated. The festival is associated with the legend of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, who are said to have performed the rituals of Chhath during their 14-year exile in the forest.
Celebration in Patna:
Every year, Patna, the capital of Bihar, attracts a massive gathering of devotees for Chhath Puja. The city's numerous Chhath Ghats, along the banks of the Ganga, are prepared with elaborate arrangements to accommodate the influx of worshippers. The Bihar Chief Minister, along with other top government officials, traditionally participate in the celebrations and inspect the preparations.
2023 Chhath Puja:
In 2023, the festivities were celebrated amidst heightened security and crowd management measures. The Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, along with BJP leaders JP Nadda and Samrat Chaudhary, visited the Chhath Ghats to inspect the arrangements and interact with devotees. The festival drew lakhs of people, who observed the rituals with zeal and enthusiasm.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What is the significance of Chhath Puja? It is a festival dedicated to Lord Surya and his wife, Usha, to express gratitude for the sustenance and protection they provide.
2. What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja? The rituals involve fasting, taking holy dips in the Ganga, and offering prayers to the rising and setting sun for four consecutive days.
3. Why is Chhath Puja so popular in Bihar? Bihar is the birthplace of Chhath Puja, and it has been an integral part of its culture for centuries.
4. What are the safety precautions to be taken during Chhath Puja? Devotees should be aware of the water currents and avoid swimming in unsafe areas. Adequate safety measures are typically in place at the Chhath Ghats.
5. What is the impact of Chhath Puja on tourism in Patna? The festival attracts tourists from all over the country and abroad, boosting the local economy and promoting Bihar's cultural heritage.
The main and X accounts of renowned news agency Reuters have been blocked in India on social media platform X, as users discovered and reported on Saturday. The reason for this block is yet to be officially announced, but it appears to be a result of a legal demand or local laws. Despite the main handle being inaccessible, affiliated handles of Reuters remain accessible. It's unclear whether the block is temporary or permanent and if it's linked to a specific report or legal order against the platform. Stay informed with our latest blogs.
Amidst the ongoing controversy over the assault of a shopkeeper by MNS workers, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde caused a stir with his concluding speech at an event in Pune, where he raised the slogans "Jai Gujarat" and "Jai Maharashtra". While the opposition accused Shinde of being "greedy for power", CM Devendra Fadnavis defended him, stating that it was a customary practice to hail the state where an event is being held. The incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate on Marathi language and pride, ahead of the civic elections in Maharashtra.
At a recent political event, Indian Union minister Amit Shah addressed the crowd in Gujarati language, highlighting the importance of connecting with regional languages in India. Maharashtra politician Eknath Shinde also addressed the gathering, exclaiming "Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat." The event served as a platform for politicians to express their opinions and connect with their audiences in regional languages, showcasing the diverse cultural and linguistic landscape of the country.
In an effort to prevent the division of secular votes and counter communal forces, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has expressed its willingness to join the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. The party's letter to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav highlights their intention and also mentions previous failed attempts. The party has also conveyed this to other senior leaders of RJD, including Tejashwi Yadav, with the hope to “contest the Bihar assembly elections together."
On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of revered Jain spiritual leader Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the inaugural ceremony of the year-long centenary celebrations. In his speech, PM Modi highlighted the eternal nature of Indian civilization and praised Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj as a symbol of this timeless philosophy. The event served as a reminder of the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of India.
The Indian Prime Minister, currently on a five-nation tour, took to social media to pay homage to Swami Vivekananda on the revered monk's death anniversary. PM Modi highlighted Swami Vivekananda's enduring influence on Indian society and his emphasis on serving others and embracing India's rich heritage. Even after a century since his passing, Swami Vivekananda's teachings continue to inspire generations, promoting unity and compassion in a divided world.
In the midst of a controversial video surfacing showing a shopkeeper being assaulted for not speaking Marathi, Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam spoke out in defense of the state's official language and condemned acts of vigilantism. The incident has sparked a larger debate over linguistic identity and regional pride in Maharashtra. While emphasizing the importance of cultural and linguistic respect, Kadam also denounced the manner in which the situation escalated and called for individuals to not take the law into their own hands. A police investigation is currently ongoing.
Karnataka, known for its thriving tech industry, is proposing a bill that aims to address the spread of fake news and misinformation online. However, free speech activists are raising concerns about potential censorship and selective enforcement. The bill has not yet defined what constitutes as "fake news" or "anti-feminist" content, raising fears of potential misuse. The state government has stated that the bill will be open for public opinion before implementation.
Pope Leo XIV took time out of his busy schedule to visit children at the Vatican's summer camp and share some inspirational words. He emphasized themes of diversity, acceptance, and building bridges of friendship. The pontiff also encouraged the children to be advocates for peace and to see everyone as equals.
At the Saryu Jayanti Mahotsav in Ayodhya, CM Yogi Adityanath announced a plan to revive rivers by preventing sewage, drain discharge, and animal waste. He stressed the importance of rivers for the environment and agriculture and highlighted the economic benefits of clean rivers for tourism and local economies. The CM urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of this initiative, emphasizing the link between river health and the well-being of communities.