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.
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