Bihar Prepares for Chhath as Devotion to the Sun and Ganga Takes Centre Stage

Bihar is witnessing a wave of religious enthusiasm as preparations gather pace for Chhath Puja 2026, one of the most important festivals in the state. From the banks of the Ganga in Patna to ponds and other water bodies across the region, preparations are underway to welcome thousands of devotees who will gather to offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun. The four-day festival began on November 13 with the traditional Nahay Khay ritual and will conclude on November 16 with Usha Arghya. Dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, Chhath Puja is observed with strict fasting, traditional offerings and elaborate religious rituals. The festival holds particular significance in Bihar, where it is deeply connected with cultural identity, family traditions and community life.

The Ganga ghats in Patna are among the major centres of activity, with local authorities and organising committees working to ensure that preparations are completed ahead of the main rituals. Cleaning drives, lighting arrangements, barricading and temporary facilities are being put in place to accommodate the large number of devotees expected during the celebrations.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inspected several ghats in Patna on November 5 and reviewed the arrangements. Officials were directed to prioritise cleanliness, public safety, proper lighting and convenient access for devotees. Special attention is also being given to riverbank conditions and locations where strong currents could pose risks to people entering the water.

The festival began with Nahay Khay, a ritual during which devotees take a holy bath and prepare a traditional meal following strict rules of cleanliness. On November 14, devotees observe Kharna, fasting throughout the day before performing evening prayers and consuming offerings such as jaggery-based kheer and chapatis. Following this ritual, devotees begin an approximately 36-hour fast without food or water.

The most prominent ceremonies will take place over the next two days. On November 15, devotees will gather at rivers, ponds and other water bodies to perform Sandhya Arghya, offering prayers to the setting Sun. The celebrations will conclude early on November 16 with Usha Arghya, when devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun before breaking their fast.

With large gatherings expected at prominent ghats, public safety has become a major priority for the administration. District officials have been instructed to strengthen crowd management and emergency response arrangements. Rescue teams, trained divers, swimmers and boats are expected to be deployed at vulnerable locations. Medical facilities, ambulances, barricades and public announcement systems are also being arranged to minimise the risk of accidents.

Traffic management is another important aspect of the preparations, particularly in Patna, where roads leading to popular ghats are likely to experience heavy movement. Authorities are working on traffic restrictions and diversions to ensure smoother movement for devotees and emergency vehicles. Chhath Puja is distinct from many other Hindu festivals because of its emphasis on nature, simplicity and discipline. Rather than elaborate idol worship, devotees offer prayers to the Sun and perform rituals near natural water bodies. Traditional offerings include thekua, seasonal fruits, sugarcane and other items arranged in bamboo baskets.

Beyond its religious significance, the festival represents an important cultural tradition for people from Bihar. Many families living in other Indian cities and abroad return to their hometowns to celebrate Chhath with relatives. Communities outside the state also organise ceremonies near rivers, ponds and specially prepared water bodies, reflecting the festival's growing presence across the country.

As preparations enter their final stages, Bihar is once again getting ready for a celebration that brings together faith, tradition and community participation. The sight of devotees standing in the water with folded hands during sunrise and sunset remains the defining image of Chhath Puja, a festival that continues to preserve the state's cultural heritage across generations.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.