Patna : The third day of Chaiti Chhath, a revered festival of sun worship, marks the offering of Arghya (water oblation) to the setting sun. The four-day festival will conclude tomorrow with devotees paying homage to the rising sun.
Ghats along the Ganges and various ponds have been readied with facilities such as drinking water, barricading, lighting, changing rooms, and help desks. Security measures include CCTV surveillance and the deployment of police personnel.
Traffic Diversions and Restrictions
To manage the influx of devotees, changes in traffic movement have been implemented:
- No vehicular movement from Digha Mod to Aashiyana Mod (north to south) on April 3 from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm and on April 4 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
- Marine Drive remains inaccessible from Kangan Ghat, and heavy vehicles are barred from JP Setu and Ganga Path.
- Ashoka Rajpath is closed to traffic from Kargil Chowk to East Didarganj, with only vehicles carrying devotees allowed on specific routes.
Parking and Movement Near Ghats
Designated parking spaces have been arranged near Patipul Ghat, Digha Ghat, Shiva Ghat, and Minar Ghat, from where devotees must proceed on foot. Parking restrictions apply on JP Ganga Path Marine Drive near the Commissioner’s Office, while Gandhi Maidan remains open for vehicle parking.
Rituals and Spiritual Significance
According to Acharya Rakesh Jha, today’s Arghya takes place under Rohini Nakshatra and Ayushman Yoga, while tomorrow’s rituals align with Mrigasira Nakshatra, Shobhan Yoga, and Ravi Yoga. Worship of the Sun God is believed to bring mental peace and prosperity.
Mythological texts describe Shasthi Devi as the sister of the Sun God, with prayers to her ensuring the well-being of children. Ritual offerings of red sandalwood and flowers are said to bestow fortune, while milk offerings are linked to the blessings of Goddess Mahalakshmi.
