CM Nitish Kumar Inspects Chhath Ghats to Ensure Smooth Arrangements for Chhath-2024
November 2, 2024 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted an extensive inspection of the Chhath Ghats across Patna in preparation for the much-awaited Chhath-2024 festival, a key event of folk faith celebrated by millions in Bihar and surrounding regions. The inspection covered several important Ganga Ghats, including Nasriganj Ghat to Kagan Ghat, where CM Kumar used a steamer to closely monitor the situation and ensure that all necessary preparations were in place for the festival.
Chhath Puja, one of the most significant religious festivals for Bihari people, is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and his consort, Usha. Devotees observe the rituals of offering Arghya to the setting and rising sun, with thousands gathering at riverbanks to perform the sacred rites. This year, CM Nitish Kumar is keen on ensuring that all Chhath Ghats are fully prepared to accommodate the large number of devotees, making the festival as smooth and trouble-free as possible.
During his inspection, the Chief Minister reviewed the overall infrastructure and cleanliness at the Ghats, including safety measures and access to essential services. He issued strict instructions to ensure that arrangements are made for proper sanitation, lighting, security, and adequate facilities for the devotees. Special attention was given to ensuring that there would be no obstruction in the process of Arghya offering, a critical part of the festival.
The CM emphasized the importance of maintaining safety at the Ghats, given the large crowds expected during the Chhath celebrations. The Bihar government has been proactive in deploying additional security personnel, medical teams, and providing amenities like temporary toilets, drinking water, and first aid stations at strategic points along the Ghats. The government is also working to improve the accessibility of the Ghats by repairing pathways and ensuring easy access for elderly devotees and those with special needs.
CM Nitish Kumar’s inspection was also aimed at monitoring the construction and renovation work at various Ghats to ensure they are in optimal condition before the festival begins. The government has committed significant resources to cleaning and beautifying the Ghats, and CM Kumar expressed satisfaction with the progress made thus far. He directed that final touch-ups be done to make sure the Ghats are completely ready to host thousands of devotees without any inconvenience.
Chhath Puja is not just a religious festival; it’s a significant cultural event for the people of Bihar, and preparations start months in advance. Every year, the Chhath Ghats in Patna, particularly those along the Ganges, are filled with devotees who come to pay their respects to the Sun God. Given the importance of the occasion, CM Nitish Kumar has personally overseen arrangements to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the festival.
The state government has also arranged for special traffic management systems to deal with the heavy inflow of devotees during the peak hours of the festival. Temporary booths for offering Arghya will be set up along the Ghats, and the state is also putting in place crowd control measures to ensure orderliness.
CM Kumar’s inspection and instructions are aimed at providing a seamless experience for the people of Bihar, so they can observe the festival with full devotion and faith. His active involvement reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that all aspects of the Chhath-2024 celebration are well-coordinated and trouble-free.
The Chhath festival is a time for families and communities to come together in prayer and thanksgiving. As Bihar gears up for the grand festival, CM Nitish Kumar’s oversight serves to reassure devotees that every effort is being made to ensure their safety, comfort, and the sanctity of the event.