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Devotees across Delhi and the National Capital Region went back home on Friday morning as they concluded the Chhath Puja with prayers to the Sun as the smoggy day broke.
Just as the third day of Chhath Puja saw hundreds throng ghats in the national capital to perform the evening Puja, offering prayers to the setting sun, similar was the sight on Friday morning, the fourth day of the festival that marked its conclusion.
Many hold this ritual as the most significant day of the elaborate festival, which is dedicated to worshipping the Sun God for health, prosperity and the fulfilment of wishes.
The Chhath Puja is primarily celebrated by the Purvanchali community and bears immense cultural and religious significance.
Speaking to IANS, Vidya, a resident of Delhi and a native of Bihar, explained the occasion and its roots in mythology: "Chhath Puja holds great importance. Initially, it was performed by Sita Ji, and later, we have been observing it. Sita Ji performed it for her kingdom, and we also pray to Chathi Mai for certain wishes. Once our wishes are fulfilled, we perform the rituals."
Prayers are offered to the Sun God and His sister Chathi Mai.
Given the rising number of Chhath devotees, the Delhi Government set up around 1,000 artificial ghats across the Capital, so as to facilitate the smooth celebration of the festival. These artificial ghats serve as substitutes for the traditional riverbanks.
Although the celebrations in Delhi were marked by political stir as much as devotion was in the air, there were reportedly inadequate preparations for the festivities and the toxic condition of the Yamuna river added to the woes of all alike.
Also, in order to mitigate the risk of vector-borne diseases during the festival, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out extensive fogging operations at over 1,000 Chhath ghats across the city. The MCD also implemented anti-larval measures to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.
The four-day festival represents more than just a religious observance—it’s a time for familial bonding and a call for the well-being of their loved ones.
Beyond its religious and cultural significance, Chhath Puja also carries an ecological message. The festival’s connection to water resources is profound, as devotees gather near rivers, ponds, or other water bodies to offer prayers and perform rituals.
Devotees across Bihar offer morning prayers to rising sun on Chhath Puja
Devotees across Bihar offered morning prayers to the rising sun on the last day of Chhath Puja on Friday with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and several other political leaders participating in the festivities.
Lakhs of devotees worshipped the sun on the banks of the Ganga river and other water bodies in the state capital this morning and offered 'arghya'.
Kumar and his family members took part in the Chhath celebrations and offered 'arghya' to the rising sun at his official residence at 1 Anne Marg here.
Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan also offered 'arghya' to the rising sun at his residence in Krishnapuri area of the state capital.
In a post on X, Paswan wrote on Friday, "On the fourth day of Chhath Puja, offered 'arghya' to the rising sun with the entire family".
The Patna district administration made elaborate arrangements at more than 100 ghats along the Ganga river here to avert any untoward incident during Chhath, Bihar's biggest festival, an official said.
Several medical camps had also been set up at various Ganga ghats in Patna, he said.
Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajeev Mishra along with other officials visited several ghats in the state capital early on Friday and reviewed the arrangements and deployment of security personnel for the festival, said a statement issued by the district administration.
Kumar and Union Minister and BJP's national president J P Nadda had on Thursday undertaken a steamer ride in the Gange river to watch the Chhath festivities along the ghats in Patna.
The chief minister also took part in the Chhath celebrations and offered 'arghya' to the setting sun at his official residence on Thursday before accompanying Nadda for the steamer ride.
Kumar participated in the Chhath Puja celebrations with his family members.
Nadda, who often fondly recalls his childhood spent in Patna, came here on Thursday afternoon to witness the state's most popular festival, Chhath Puja.
The four-day auspicious occasion began on November 5 with the 'nahay-khay' ritual and concluded on Friday.
Chhath is observed on the sixth day of Kartik Shukla and six days after Diwali. During the festival, worshippers honour 'Chhathi Maiya' and the Sun God, and seek their blessings and prosperity for their families and children.
With inputs from IANS & PTI
