CM Nitish Kumar Inspects Chhath Ghats in Patna to Ensure Safe Arrangements for Chhath 2024
October 27, 2024 : Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted an extensive inspection of several key Chhath Ghats in Patna as part of the ongoing preparations for the Chhath 2024 festival. The Chief Minister toured various Ghats situated along the banks of the Ganga River, ensuring that all necessary facilities and safety measures were in place for the thousands of devotees expected to take part in the festival.
Chhath, one of Bihar’s most revered folk festivals, is celebrated with immense devotion, as people gather on the banks of rivers to offer Arghya to the Sun God. The festival involves rituals that require devotees to stand in waist-deep water, often for hours, to offer their prayers and seek blessings. Given the large scale of the event, CM Nitish Kumar’s inspection was focused on ensuring that the arrangements at each Chhath Ghat were both safe and convenient for the participants.
Key Chhath Ghats Inspected by CM Nitish Kumar
The Chief Minister’s inspection included several prominent Ghats along the Ganga River, notably along the JP Ganga Path. The locations included:
- Digha’s Patipul Ghat
- JP Setu Western Ghat
- JP Setu Ghat
- Pehelwan Ghat
- LCT Ghat
- Collectorate Ghat
- Krishna Ghat
These Ghats are among the busiest during the Chhath festival, drawing thousands of devotees from not only Patna but also from other parts of Bihar and beyond. CM Nitish Kumar visited these locations to assess the readiness of essential facilities such as temporary platforms, lighting, security arrangements, and water quality to ensure the safety and comfort of the devotees.
Ensuring Safe and Convenient Facilities for Chhath Devotees
During the inspection, CM Nitish Kumar instructed officials to make sure that every necessary arrangement was in place at the Chhath Ghats. This includes setting up adequate lighting, providing security personnel, and ensuring that fire safety measures are implemented to prevent accidents. Additionally, arrangements for clean drinking water, first aid, and proper sanitation facilities were also prioritized to make the experience as comfortable as possible for the devotees.
As a significant part of the Chhath festival rituals, the offering of Arghya involves standing in the river for extended periods, which can be physically demanding. Therefore, ensuring the safety of devotees was one of the key points CM Nitish Kumar focused on during his visit.
“Chhath is not just a festival, but an occasion that reflects the deep spiritual connection of the people to the Sun God. Our responsibility is to ensure that devotees can perform their rituals with ease and safety. We are committed to providing all the necessary infrastructure and arrangements to make this celebration memorable and safe for all,” said CM Nitish Kumar.
Focusing on Security and Safety Measures
Security and safety during large gatherings, especially at places like Chhath Ghats, have always been a priority for the Bihar government. CM Nitish Kumar gave specific instructions to ensure that security personnel were deployed in sufficient numbers at all major Ghats. This year, the Patna Police will be taking special measures to maintain order, manage crowds, and assist in emergencies.
Moreover, with increased participation in recent years, CM Kumar has also directed the authorities to set up crowd control barriers at key points to prevent overcrowding. These steps will ensure that devotees can carry out their prayers and rituals without any hindrance or risk.
Conclusion: A Commitment to the Chhath Festival’s Success
The inspection by CM Nitish Kumar underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that Chhath 2024 is celebrated without any hitches. By focusing on safety, infrastructure, and providing essential services, the government is ensuring that the spiritual significance of this festival is not marred by logistical challenges.
As Bihar gears up for Chhath 2024, the efforts to ensure smooth and safe arrangements will go a long way in reinforcing the state government’s commitment to its citizens’ well-being. Chhath, which has grown to be a symbol of Bihar’s rich cultural and religious heritage, will once again bring together thousands of devotees, offering a spiritual experience on the banks of the Ganga River.