Patna: Patna is in the final stages of preparing for Chhath Mahaparva, with extensive efforts to ensure a smooth and safe celebration. In the Patna district, 550 ghats and 65 ponds have been renovated, with 100 ghats along the stretch from Danapur to Didarganj readied for worship. Gaya has also prepared 26 ghats. To accommodate the influx of devotees, 45 designated parking areas have been arranged throughout the city.
A special traffic plan has been issued to manage the anticipated congestion, with altered routes effective from noon to 10 p.m. on November 7 and from 2 a.m. on November 8 until normalcy resumes. The revised routes will apply to all vehicles except for those involved in emergency services, fire brigade, ambulances, and the vehicles of Chhath devotees.
In an infrastructural upgrade, Collectorate Ghat has been connected to Bans Ghat, allowing devotees to reach Collectorate Ghat by walking a short 100-meter path from the Ganga banks. This year, facilities including changing rooms, toilets, water taps, medical camps, and sheds have been set up at each ghat, with additional connections created between Collectorate, Mahendru, and Bans Ghats.
Security arrangements are robust, with over 5,000 soldiers and 1,000 magistrates on duty. Eight NDRF teams (comprising 200 members), 14 SDRF teams (56 members), 333 divers, 306 boatmen, and 168 Civil Defense volunteers are deployed for river patrolling and crowd safety. Strict measures are in place to prevent unauthorized boat operations.
From noon to 7 p.m. on November 7 and 2 to 8 a.m. on November 8, all traffic from Kargil Chowk to Purba Didarganj will be restricted, and access points on Ashoka Rajpath will be closed. Vehicles of devotees will be allowed parking access via Khazanchi Road to Patna College and Science College grounds, as well as inside Gandhi Maidan, Gate No. 10. The JP Ganga Path will remain closed to all traffic except for emergency vehicles.
With these arrangements, Patna aims to facilitate a safe and seamless Chhath Puja for the thousands of devotees expected to gather at the ghats.
