In Bihar, a display of devotion marked the celebration of Chhath Mahaparv, with large gatherings of devotees assembling at riverbanks and ponds across the state. On Monday, the third day of the four-day festival, thousands of Chhath vratis (devotees) reached the banks of the Ganga and other water bodies to offer Arghya to the setting Sun. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary performed the ritual Arghya at their respective residences.
At the Chief Minister’s official residence on 1 Aney Marg in Patna, Nitish Kumar, along with his family members, offered prayers and Arghya to Lord Bhaskar (the Sun God). The arrangements for the offering were made at the premises, and several officials and staff members were also present during the ritual.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary performed the evening Arghya ritual at his ancestral home in Tarapur, accompanied by his family. On the occasion, he prayed for Bihar’s progress, prosperity, and overall development. Across Patna, a massive crowd of devotees thronged various Chhath ghats along the Ganga River.
In the Patna Municipal Corporation area, around 102 ghats along the Ganga, 45 parks, and 63 ponds were prepared for devotees to offer Arghya to the setting Sun. Devotees gathered in large numbers at these venues to worship Lord Bhaskar, with elaborate security arrangements in place to ensure smooth proceedings.
The streets of Patna were beautifully illuminated with colorful lights and decorated gateways, adding to the festive spirit. To facilitate devotees on their way to the ghats, local youths and children cleaned roads and sprinkled water to settle the dust. On Sunday evening, devotees observed Kharna, the second major ritual of the festival, during which they prepared and shared offerings with family and neighbors late into the night.
Following Kharna, the vratis began their 36-hour-long waterless fast, which will conclude on Tuesday morning with the offering of Arghya to the rising Sun (Udayman Surya). After completing the ritual, devotees will break their fast by partaking in food and water in a ceremony known as Paran, marking the conclusion of the auspicious festival.
