In preparation for the grand celebration of Chhath Puja, one of the most important and revered festivals of Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted a detailed inspection of the Ganga ghats in Patna on Saturday, November 2, 2024. The festival, slated for November 7 and 8, sees millions of devotees from Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and beyond, gather to offer prayers to the Sun God. The CM’s inspection reflects his dedication to ensuring that the event is celebrated with utmost devotion, safety, and comfort for the citizens.

Ensuring a Smooth Chhath Celebration: Chief Minister’s Personal Oversight

Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, other ministers, and senior officials, Kumar embarked on his third inspection of the Ganga ghats in just 15 days. His visit began at Nasriganj Ghat and continued with an inspection of Kangan Ghat, conducted via a steamer ride, highlighting the CM’s hands-on approach to the arrangements. The CM’s involvement underscores the importance of Chhath Puja, a festival that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for millions in the state.

During the inspection, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar focused on several key aspects, instructing authorities to ensure that all preparations were in place well ahead of the grand festival. The CM emphasized that the ghats must be cleaned and maintained to provide a hygienic and safe environment for the lakhs of devotees who will descend upon them.

Key Preparations Under Review: Cleanliness, Safety, and Facilities

The CM directed local officials to prioritize the following aspects in the days leading up to the festival:

• Cleanliness and Waste Management: Ensuring the ghats and surrounding areas are thoroughly cleaned, with efficient waste management systems in place to maintain a pristine environment throughout the celebrations.
• Safety Measures: With the large crowds expected, Kumar instructed the authorities to enhance safety protocols, including proper barricading, crowd control measures, and medical facilities. He urged for visible and accessible safety personnel to ensure smooth coordination.
• Public Address and Lighting Systems: The CM reviewed arrangements for bright and effective lighting across all ghats, as well as ensuring that clear public address systems are in place to communicate important information to the gathering.
• Temporary Facilities for Devotees: Kumar made sure that basic amenities such as temporary changing rooms, clean toilets, and drinking water stations would be available at all key ghats. He urged officials to ensure that there were no shortages of these essential services, especially in such a large-scale event.
• Security Measures: The CM specifically called for enhanced security, directing the police and local security forces to increase patrolling along the ghats and in surrounding areas, ensuring both public safety and preventing any untoward incidents.

A Unified Effort: Local Administration and Community Engagement

The state government has been working closely with the local administration and community leaders to ensure that all arrangements align with the requirements of the devotees. The CM’s review also aimed at ensuring that there is coordination between different departments, including health, transport, and disaster management, to avoid any disruption during the festival.

“The government is committed to ensuring that Chhath Puja is celebrated in the most organized and safest manner,” said Nitish Kumar. "The devotees must be able to perform their rituals with peace of mind, and the state will leave no stone unturned in making this possible."

Government Initiatives for Devotees: Ensuring Comfort and Accessibility

In addition to the basic amenities, the government has also focused on creating a positive and respectful environment for the devotees. The administration has been proactive in providing temporary shelters for those who may need rest, arranging food stalls that serve safe and hygienic food, and facilitating easier access to the ghats through public transport.

Additionally, the state government has been working to improve the roads leading to the ghats, aiming to reduce traffic congestion during peak hours. Dedicated parking spaces have been arranged to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and easy accessibility for the masses.

A Festival of Unity and Tradition

Chhath Puja is celebrated with immense fervor in Bihar, and this year, the government has set an example of how large-scale celebrations can be managed effectively while maintaining public safety and environmental concerns. The festival, known for its focus on the worship of the Sun God, is a time for spiritual renewal, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership has ensured that the infrastructure and services align with the sacredness of this occasion.

The Chief Minister’s timely reviews and frequent visits to the ghats are a reflection of the government’s unyielding commitment to the welfare of its citizens, particularly during major cultural events like Chhath Puja. His presence assures the public that every measure is being taken to create an environment that honors both the spirit of the festival and the well-being of the people.

Looking Ahead: A Celebrated Tradition With Future Improvements

As Bihar gears up for one of the largest public festivals in the state, it’s clear that the Chhath Puja celebrations of 2024 will be marked not only by religious fervor but by thoughtful planning and comprehensive government support. With the guidance of CM Nitish Kumar, the Chhath Puja celebrations in Patna and other parts of the state are expected to be smooth, safe, and joyous for all involved.

While this year’s preparations are expected to set a new standard for future festivals, the state government’s work will not stop here. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed his commitment to continuously improving the facilities and arrangements for future Chhath celebrations, ensuring that every year, the experience becomes more organized, inclusive, and spiritually fulfilling for the people of Bihar.