On the Third Day of Chaiti Chhath, Worshippers Assemble at Water Bodies to Pay Homage to the Setting Sun

Patna, April 3 (NationPress) The Chaiti Chhath festival, which holds great significance in Bihar, is currently being celebrated, with Thursday marking the third day of this four-day event.

Participants are engaging in a 36-hour Nirjala (waterless) fast that commenced after the Kharna ceremony on Wednesday.

This evening, they will convene at various water bodies to present the initial 'Arghya' to the setting Sun.

The festivities will wrap up on Friday with tributes to the rising Sun.

In Patna, local authorities have made extensive arrangements to guarantee a seamless and secure experience for all attendees.

A total of 92 ghats have been established for the rituals, with 41 ghats and seven ponds specifically prepared within the jurisdiction of the Patna Municipal Corporation.

Notable locations include Patipul Ghat, Didarganj, and Kachhi Talab in Gardnibagh.

To maintain order, 132 Magistrates and police officers have been assigned to 76 locations in the district.

These personnel operate under the supervision of 23 sector officers, complemented by baton and women forces.

Moreover, teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are stationed at the ghats, equipped with motorboats, divers, and life-saving gear.

Unauthorized boat activities have been strictly banned to ensure the safety of worshippers. To facilitate the devotees, the administration has implemented traffic restrictions.

Vehicle movement on roads leading to the ghats is prohibited from 2 pm to 7 pm today. Parking has been arranged at designated spots away from the ghats, and devotees are encouraged to utilize these facilities to prevent congestion.

Considering the current weather in Patna, with temperatures soaring up to 37 degrees Celsius today, devotees are advised to take necessary measures to stay hydrated and avoid heat-related issues.

The forecast for the upcoming days suggests persistent high temperatures, peaking at 38 degrees Celsius on Friday and 39 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

The district administration has released guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

Devotees are encouraged to cooperate with security personnel and adhere to designated routes and parking areas.

Medical teams are on standby at major ghats to provide assistance if necessary.

As devotees prepare to head to the ghats this afternoon, they are advised to plan their journey considering the traffic restrictions and weather conditions.

The collaborative efforts of the administration and the community aim to facilitate a peaceful and safe observance of Chaiti Chhath.

The Patna district administration has reiterated safety measures for Chaiti Chhath devotees, urging individuals to be vigilant in large crowds.

Officials have outlined key guidelines that include special considerations for the safety of children, elderly individuals, and women in crowded areas; keeping a note in children’s pockets with their name, address, and mobile number; avoiding the carrying of firecrackers or any flammable items and prohibiting the consumption of tobacco, alcohol, or any intoxicants.

Authorities also urged the public not to propagate or believe in rumors that could incite panic.

They have also requested that individuals promptly inform authorities if they encounter any unattended or suspicious items.

The Patna District administration has provided emergency contact numbers: 0612-2219810 / 0612-2219234, Dial-112, and police control room mobile: 9470001389.