Bhopal: The four-day Chhath Puja celebrations in Bhopal began on Saturday with the traditional Nahay Khay ritual, as thousands of devotees observed the first day of fasting and prayer. Devotees took an early morning bath and took a simple, sattvic meal as per ritual.
The city has been bustling with activity as the Municipal Corporation and local administration have made elaborate preparations to accommodate the huge influx of devotees. A total of 52 ghats across the city, including popular spots like Sheetaldas Ki Bagiya, Kamala Park, and Khatlapura Ghat, have been readied with cleaning, painting, and necessary repairs. The administration has also set up mobile toilets, changing rooms, drinking water facilities, and electrical decorations to ensure the convenience and comfort of the devotees.
Sales of puja materials skyrocket
The spirit of the festival is especially palpable in Bhopal's North Indian community, where enthusiasm for Chhath is at its peak. Sales of puja materials, including soup-daura, thekua molds, fruits, and decorative items, have skyrocketed in the markets. Kunwar Prasad, President of Bhojpuri Ekta Manch, said that lakhs are expected to visit the ghats over the coming days to offer their prayers, making this year’s celebrations one of the most vibrant yet.
To ensure safety and smooth conduct of the festival, the administration has arranged a dedicated police force, a diving team, and medical assistance centers at key ghats. Traffic police have also prepared special route plans to manage parking and movement around the major ghats. Barricades, lighting, and control rooms have been set up to maintain order and security throughout the event.
Upcoming Rituals
The festival continues with important rituals in the coming days: Kharna on October 26; Daala Chhath (Sanjhi Arghya) on October 27 and Bhor Arghya and Parana on October 28.
Prakash Kumar Pandey