Patna: As the vibrant festival of Chhath approaches, the atmosphere in Patna is charged with anticipation. The Patna Municipal Corporation has embarked on an intensive preparation drive across the city’s ghats, parks, and ponds to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for devotees.
Work is reportedly proceeding “at a war footing,” with teams deployed across all city zones to monitor progress and complete beautification and safety measures in time for the festival. City Commissioner Yashpal Meena has instructed officers to remain stationed at designated ghats and regularly update authorities with geo-tagged images of ongoing work.
At Pataliputra’s major ghats, including Shiva Ghat, Minar Ghat, and Patipul Ghat, light towers and parking barricades have been installed. Underwater barricades, however, will be completed after Diwali to account for potential changes in the Ganga’s water levels. Parking arrangements behind Shiva Ghat have also been finalised to accommodate devotees.
In Bankipur, ghats including Kali Ghat, Gandhi Ghat, Pathri Ghat, and Kadam Ghat are undergoing extensive cleaning, painting, and beautification. Authorities say workers are focused on making the sites “pilgrim-friendly” while maintaining strict safety standards.
Special attention is being given to areas with marshy terrain. Soil is being excavated, and clay mats and sand layers are being laid to create stable walking surfaces. Sandbag safety dams are also being constructed along the riverbank to prevent inconvenience during rising water levels, alongside barricades to protect devotees during the Arghya ritual.
Lighting is another priority. Almost all ghats now feature light towers, and installation of illumination is nearing completion from Bhadra Ghat to Kangan Ghat. Meanwhile, Kali Ghat to Pathri Ghat will be lit with blue strip lights, designed to provide both functional lighting and aesthetic enhancement of the ghats during the festival.
The preparations reflect a coordinated effort between the Municipal Corporation and the Electricity Department to ensure that Patna’s celebration of Chhath is marked by safety, convenience, and visual splendour.
