What Happened During the Conclusion of Bihar's Chhath Puja?
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Synopsis
The conclusion of Bihar's Chhath Puja saw millions of devotees offering prayers to the rising sun, marking the end of a rigorous 36-hour fast. This revered festival, steeped in tradition and devotion, showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. Read on to discover the significance of these rituals and the communal spirit that unites the devotees.
Key Takeaways
- Chhath Puja is a revered festival emphasizing purity and discipline.
- The festival concludes with offerings to the rising sun after a 36-hour fast.
- Devotees gather at ghats for communal prayers and rituals.
- Extensive safety measures are implemented to ensure a peaceful celebration.
- Chhath Puja is celebrated biannually, reflecting the cultural richness of Bihar.
Patna, October 28 (NationPress): The four-day Chhath Puja, celebrated as one of Bihar's most significant festivals, wrapped up on Tuesday morning with millions of devotees offering Arghya (prayers) to the rising Sun, signifying the conclusion of their 36-hour waterless fast.
At daybreak, devotees congregated along riverbanks, ponds, and water bodies throughout the state to present offerings of milk, water, and seasonal fruits before breaking their fast.
The rituals culminated with devotees enjoying tea blended with ghee, symbolizing the end of the four-day Chhath Maha Parv.
The Chhath fast is regarded as one of the most demanding in Hindu traditions, emphasizing purity, discipline, and devotion. This festival occurs biannually — during Kartik Shukla Paksha (Sharadiya Chhath) and in the month of Chaitra (Chaitra Chhath).
Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar celebrated Chhath at his official residence, 1 Anne Marg, alongside his son Nishant Kumar and other family members. Union Minister Chirag Paswan also took part in the rituals with his family, offering Arghya to the rising sun.
Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Choudhary, along with ministers Nitin Naveen, Sanjay Mayukh, and Ashok Choudhary, observed the festival at their homes.
The four-day observance commenced with Nahay-Khay, followed by Kharna on the second day, where devotees prepare kheer, roti, and bananas as offerings. The 36-hour fast continues until the evening offering to the setting sun (Sandhya Arghya) and concludes the next morning with the offering to the rising sun (Usha Arghya).
To uphold sanctity and safety, district administrations across Bihar executed extensive cleanliness and lighting initiatives at all Chhath ghats. Special arrangements were made to ensure the purity of prasad preparation and environmental protection, which are central themes of the festival.
Traditional Chhath songs resonated along the ghats, enhancing the devotional ambiance. For crowd management and safety, large contingents of police, NDRF, and SDRF personnel were deployed under magistrate supervision.
Senior officials, including District Magistrates, SSPs, SPs, and local MLAs, personally inspected the ghats while authorities ensured uninterrupted power supply and continuous monitoring, allowing millions of devotees to conclude the festival in peace.
Point of View
I acknowledge the profound impact of Chhath Puja on Bihar's cultural fabric. This festival exemplifies the dedication and discipline of its devotees, showcasing the values of faith and community. It is crucial to celebrate such traditions that not only connect individuals to their roots but also foster unity among diverse populations.
NationPress
29/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in Bihar to honor the Sun God and express gratitude for sustaining life on Earth.
How long does Chhath Puja last?
Chhath Puja is celebrated over four days, involving rigorous fasting and various rituals aimed at honoring the Sun.
What offerings are made during Chhath Puja?
Devotees typically offer milk, water, seasonal fruits, and traditional dishes like kheer and roti to the Sun.
When is Chhath Puja celebrated?
Chhath Puja is observed twice a year during Kartik Shukla Paksha and in the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar.
How is safety ensured during Chhath Puja?
Authorities deploy police and disaster response teams to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the rituals at various ghats.
