Patna: The administration in Patna has declared eight riverfront ghats unsafe and temporarily banned boat operations on the Ganga ahead of the Chaiti Chhath festival, urging devotees to prioritise safety during the four-day observance.
Officials said LCT Ghat, Rajapur Pul Ghat, Pehalwan Ghat, Bans Ghat, Shiv Ghat, Didarganj Ghat, Rikabganj Ghat and Bundel Toli Ghat have been identified as dangerous following an assessment of water levels and ground conditions. Residents have been advised to avoid these locations.
As part of precautionary measures, boat services have been suspended for the next few days to reduce the risk of accidents during the festival period, which draws large crowds to the riverbanks.
Chaiti Chhath, one of the most significant festivals in Bihar, will begin on March 22 with the ritual of Nahay-Khay, when devotees take a holy dip and prepare a simple meal as an offering to the Sun god. The second day, Kharna, on March 23, marks the start of a rigorous 36-hour waterless fast after evening prayers and offerings.
The main rituals will take place on March 24 with the Sandhya Arghya, when worshippers gather at ghats to offer prayers to the setting sun, followed by the final Arghya to the rising sun on March 25, marking the conclusion of the fast.
Authorities said arrangements are being made to ensure the festival proceeds smoothly, but stressed that public cooperation is essential. Devotees have been asked to use only designated safe ghats, with officials underlining the need to balance religious observance with public safety.
