4-day Chhath festival begins in UP; elaborate arrangements made for devotees

The four-day-long Chhath festival begins today in Uttar Pradesh with Nahay-Khaay, celebrated with great religious fervor.Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will participate in the festivities on the banks of the Gomti River on October 27, offering Arghya.

As part of the festival, Kharna will be observed on October 26, followed by the evening Arghya on October 27 and the morning Arghya to the rising Sun God on October 28.

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In Lucknow, preparations are complete at the Laxman Mela ground along the Gomti River, ready to welcome devotees to perform Chhath puja rituals.

Prabhunath Rai, National President of the All India Bhojpuri Samaj, stated on Saturday that CM Yogi will offer Arghya on Monday evening. He added that the district administration and Bhojpuri community officials had worked together to ensure smooth arrangements for the festival.

He also highlighted that grand cultural programs will take place on October 27 and 28, featuring a large lineup of artists. Renowned folk singers such as Kalpana Patwari (Assam), Gopal Rai (Ballia), and Suresh Shukla (Mumbai), along with 200 other performers, will perform for 18 continuous hours.

Meanwhile, a report from Prayagraj stated that the grand festival of faith, Chhath Puja, commenced with great fanfare on Saturday. Religious fervor is at its peak in the Sangam city, and the administration is busy preparing the ghats to accommodate the influx of devotees.

However, problems of swampiness and chaos still persist at Kila Ghat, Sangam Nose, Ram Ghat, and Arail Ghat. SDM Sadar visited the sites to review the preparations, instructing officials to prioritize the safety of devotees and expedite arrangements for lighting, drinking water, sanitation, mobile toilets, and barricading. The SDM also warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found negligent.

Checkered plates and sandbags are being laid in muddy and swampy areas to ensure safe access for devotees to the river. During the inspection, work was also underway to remove mud from the steps of the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Instructions were given to erect barricades at the Sangam Nose and level the approach roads.

Officials stated that at least 200 checkered plates will be installed on the ghats to ensure that Chhath devotees do not face any difficulties in commuting. Ajay Rai, president of the Purvanchal Chhath Puja and Development Committee, stated that due to the rising water level, the area of the ghats has decreased by 30 percent compared to last year.