Chhath Puja: SDRF, NDRF personnel deployed at hundreds of Bihar ghats

Elaborate arrangements have been put in place with divers and disaster response force personnel stationed at all water bodies in Bihar for the third and fourth days of Chhath Puja, when fasting women offer 'arghya' to the setting sun by standing in knee-deep water.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday extended greetings to people on the occasion of Sandhya Arghya, the third ritual of the four-day festival.

In a post on X, he prayed that the blessings of the setting sun and ‘Chhathi Maiya’ bring happiness, peace, prosperity and well-being to everyone's life.

"Heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all on the auspicious occasion of Sandhya Arghya, the third ritual of the festival of Chhath. Jai Chhathi Maiya," he said.

“Chhath, the festival of deep faith and devotion, has evolved from a local tradition into a global celebration. The festivities have spread across the world, with videos and visuals emerging from countries across Europe, America and Asia,” the CM said.

Choudhary said the state government has made every effort to beautify and decorate Bihar, and ensure that the state is clean, well-maintained and illuminated, so that devotees face no inconvenience.

“We are confident that this year's Chhath festival will be celebrated peacefully, safely and on a historic scale. We remain committed to giving this glorious tradition greater global recognition. Jai Chhathi Maiya! Jai Bihar,” he added.

3D laser show planned at Patna ghats

For the first time, the district administration and authorities concerned are organising a 3D laser show along Patna's Marine Drive and at Digha Ghat on the occasion of Chhath Puja, officials said.

Millions of devotees will worship Goddess 'Chhathi Maiya' by offering 'arghya' to the setting sun on Sunday at the Ganga, and other rivers and water bodies across the state. The second 'arghya' will be offered to the rising sun on Monday, marking the culmination of the four-day festival.

SDRF, NDRF teams deployed at ghats

The Disaster Management Department (DMD) has deployed the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at ghats across the state to deal with any exigency, according to an official statement.

SDRF personnel have been deployed at 254 ghats, while NDRF teams have been stationed at 123 ghats. Moreover, local divers and 'Aapda Mitras'— disaster response volunteers—have been deployed at 12,806 ghats across the state.

The primary objective is to ensure the safety of devotees amid large gatherings at water bodies during the festival and facilitate prompt rescue and relief operations in case of any emergency.

"All ghats are ready for the Chhath puja festival. Adequate arrangements have been made in Patna. All permanent ghats are connected to the riverfront, ensuring that devotees will not face any inconvenience reaching there.

"We have also issued advisories for the Chhath Puja, which visitors and devotees must follow. Officials have also been directed to ensure devotees face no inconvenience," said a senior official of the Patna district administration.

The four-day auspicious occasion began on November 13 with the 'nahay-khay' ritual and will conclude on Monday.