The Chhath Puja festivities in Patna bring a special vibrance to the city, with Ganga Ghats adorned beautifully and filled with an atmosphere of spirituality and devotion. Today marks the third day of this four-day celebration dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Thousands of devotees are expected to gather this evening to offer the first "Arghya," a key ritual of Chhath, to the setting sun along Patna's Ganga Ghats.
Among the most popular Ghats for the rituals are Collectorate Ghat, Bans Ghat, JP Setu Eastern Ghat, Digha Ghat, and Gai Ghat, where around 12 to 15 lakh people are anticipated to participate in the celebrations this year.
Patna’s district administration has intensified preparations to manage the vast turnout and ensure safety. The evening event gains added significance as notable figures like Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, and BJP National President JP Nadda are expected to observe the rituals from steamers on the Ganga River.
Beyond the 108 Ghats along the Ganga, nearly 60 ponds and parks in Patna have been decorated for Chhath, symbolizing the cultural unity and spiritual essence that this festival fosters across Bihar. Chhath brings families and communities together in gratitude for the natural elements like sunlight and water.
To ensure the safety and smooth experience of devotees, high-level security and logistical arrangements are in place. Senior officers, including SPs and DSPs, have been assigned to oversee security, with 20 top officers stationed in Patna and support from 35 Bihar Special Security Police Force companies and three CRPF companies positioned at critical sites.
Additionally, 1,275 police sub-inspectors in training and 2,450 trainee constables have been deployed across Patna and nearby districts for enhanced security. These measures by the Nitish Kumar administration highlight the commitment to maintaining cleanliness, safety, and a spiritually fulfilling environment.
The district administration has also released an advisory for public safety, with special attention to the elderly and children. Parents are encouraged to keep identification details on children to prevent separation issues, and firecracker use is prohibited for added safety.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is personally overseeing the preparations and has given guidance after inspecting the Ganga Ghats. To further secure the riverbanks, divers are stationed to monitor worshippers’ safety, while magistrates and security personnel remain on standby for emergencies, ensuring a peaceful and devotional celebration.
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