Chhath Puja, one of the most revered festivals, is being celebrated with great fervour and devotion across the city. The four-day festival, which commenced with ‘Nahay-Khay’ ritual on Tuesday, is witnessing grand preparations at various ghats, including popular Prempura Ghat, where devotees celebrated the second day of the festival – Kharna. Chhath Puja holds a special significance for Bihari community in Bhopal. The atmosphere around the ghats is filled with spiritual fervour as people prepare to offer prayers to the Sun God. The second day, Kharna, was marked by fasting and preparing traditional offerings, including roti, gud (jaggery) kheer, and fruits, which are then offered to the Sun God. The purity of these offerings is believed to bring blessings and strength to the devotees, enabling them to observe the strict nirjala (without water) fast on the next two days of the festival. Special arrangements for Chhath Puja at Bhopal’s ghats: Bhopal’s ghats have been meticulously cleaned and decorated for the occasion.

 

The administration has ensured that all necessary arrangements are in place, including proper water supply, sanitation, and security, so that devotees can celebrate the festival without any hindrances. Police force has been deployed at all major ghats to maintain law and order and ensure safety during the celebrations. Particularly, Prempura Ghat has made special provisions for the evening Arghya, where devotees will offer their final prayers to the setting sun. Preparations for Arghya ceremony have been meticulously arranged, reflecting the devotion and excitement of the participating community. This is a key moment in Chhath Puja when devotees pay homage to the Sun God, seeking his blessings for prosperity, health, and well-being. In addition to Prempura Ghat, several other locations in Bhopal are set to celebrate Chhath Puja, including Barkheda Kamla Park, Saraswati Devi Temple and Sheetaldas ki Bagiya.

 

At the premises, thousands of devotees are expected to gather at these ghats to observe rituals and offer prayers. The festival will culminate on November 8 with Usha Arghya (offering to the rising sun) and Paaran (breaking of the fast), which marks the end of the rigorous fasting period. The celebration of this auspicious festival in Bhopal is expected to be a grand affair, with thousands of devotees participating in the prayers and rituals with deep devotion.