Patna, Oct 27 (NationPress) The bathing ghats along the banks of the Ganga and various ponds in Bihar's capital, Patna, are fully prepared for the magnificent festivities of Chhath Mahaparva, a festival centered around devotion and purity dedicated to Surya (the Sun god) and Chhathi Maiya. The first 'Arghya' (offering) to the setting Sun is set to take place on Monday evening, aligned with the Purvashada constellation, while the second Arghya will honor the rising Sun on Tuesday morning during the Uttarashada constellation.

This year, Patna will host prayers at 78 ghats and has prepared 60 artificial ponds to facilitate the smooth execution of rituals while minimizing crowding at the Ganga ghats.

Pandit Ram Narayan Shastri notes that it is considered auspicious to perform prayers to the setting Sun half an hour prior to sunset and to the rising Sun immediately after it turns a vibrant red.

On Tuesday morning, favorable yogas such as Ubhayachar and Amalakriti will further elevate the festival's significance.

On the previous day, which marked the second day of Chhath, devotees participated in Kharna Puja with great reverence.

Following sunset, they enjoyed prasad (ritual food offering) made from uncooked rice, Ganga water, milk, jaggery-based kheer, flatbread, and bananas presented on banana leaves.

This ritual marked the commencement of their 36-hour waterless fast.

The district administration of Patna has implemented extensive security and crowd management measures, including the installation of 187 Bluetooth-enabled cameras at 35 major ghats for real-time monitoring of the festivities.

In total, Chhath celebrations are taking place at 550 ghats across the district, representing the diverse traditions of 444 communities.

Medical teams, including doctors and health specialists, are stationed at all primary health centres in urban and rural regions to address any medical emergencies.

Throughout Bihar, a palpable sense of devotion and enthusiasm prevails.

The Deo Surya Temple in Aurangabad and the Ular Sun Temple in Patna district are experiencing significant turnout.

Statewide, arrangements have been made at 8,500 Chhath ghats.

Special directives have been issued to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), who are deployed at sensitive sites to ensure the safety of devotees.

The Patna Municipal Corporation has also undertaken responsibilities for cleaning, lighting, barricading hazardous ghats, and setting up medical camps.

Authorities have urged devotees to exercise caution, secure their belongings, and avoid unsafe or slippery areas near the riverbanks.