Bihar bans firecrackers, private boats near ghats during Chhath Puja

The Bihar government has banned the use and sale of firecrackers near Chhath ghats and prohibited private boat operations during the four-day festival from November 13 to 16, as part of extensive safety measures aimed at preventing accidents, drowning and stampedes.

The state Disaster Management Department issued a nine-point directive to all district administrations on Monday, asking officials to strengthen security arrangements and ensure adequate emergency response facilities at riverbanks and other water bodies where devotees will gather for the festival.

District magistrates have been directed to identify potentially dangerous ghats, install barricades and deploy sufficient security personnel and volunteers to manage the movement of devotees.

The instructions also require district administrations to maintain close coordination with local Chhath Puja committees and prepare comprehensive disaster management plans before the celebrations begin.

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝

Under the new guidelines, the sale and bursting of firecrackers will be prohibited near river ghats and ponds throughout the festival.

Officials have been instructed to conduct continuous monitoring to ensure that the restrictions are strictly enforced.

The government has also prohibited private boat operations during the designated worship period to reduce the risk of accidents in crowded waterways.

However, motorboats deployed for emergency response and rescue operations will remain available at the ghats.

The restrictions are intended to prevent overcrowding, panic and other potentially dangerous situations as large numbers of devotees assemble along riverbanks to offer prayers.

𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝

The Disaster Management Department has instructed district authorities to station trained divers and swimmers at vulnerable ghats.

Rescue personnel must be equipped with life jackets, motorboats and other life-saving equipment to respond immediately to drowning incidents.

Medical teams, ambulances and Quick Medical Response Teams (QMRTs) have also been directed to remain on standby throughout the festival.

The government has emphasised the need for advance arrangements to deal with emergencies, particularly at locations where large gatherings are expected.

District administrations have been asked to ensure that emergency personnel can reach affected areas without delay and that rescue resources remain readily accessible.

𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬

The guidelines require adequate lighting at all designated ghats and on roads leading to them, particularly during evening and early-morning rituals.

Authorities must inspect electrical installations in advance to minimise the risk of electrocution.

District-level control rooms have been instructed to function round the clock, while public announcements through loudspeakers will be used to communicate safety instructions and emergency information.

Officials have also been directed to prepare communication plans for effective coordination between police, medical personnel, rescue teams and other agencies.

To prevent panic and stampede-like situations, district magistrates must conduct coordination meetings with Chhath committees and maintain continuous supervision of arrangements.

The government has asked local administrations to train volunteers and committee members in basic emergency response procedures.

Residents can contact the State Emergency Operations Centre at 0612-2294204 or 0612-2294205, or dial the disaster management helpline 1070 for assistance.

𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫-𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐍𝐨𝐯 𝟏𝟑

Chhath Puja, one of Bihar's most widely observed religious festivals, will begin on November 13 with the Nahay Khay ritual and conclude on November 16 with offerings to the rising Sun.

Dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, the festival involves fasting, prayers and offerings made while standing in water.

Devotees traditionally gather at riverbanks, ponds and specially prepared ghats to offer arghya to the setting and rising Sun.

The festival attracts large gatherings across Bihar, making crowd management, water safety and emergency preparedness important priorities for local administrations.

The Disaster Management Department has directed officials to closely monitor the arrangements throughout the four-day celebrations and ensure that the prescribed safety measures are implemented at all designated worship sites.