Patna: As the grand Chhath festival begins in Bihar with the ritual of Nahay-Khaay, the Patna district administration has issued a safety alert for devotees. Authorities have banned offerings of Arghya at 13 ghats along the Ganges River, saying that these sites are unsafe because of high water levels and erosion. Six of these ghats have been declared “extremely dangerous,” while seven others are considered “unsuitable” for rituals. Officials said that the decision was made to protect the lives of devotees and to ensure that the celebrations continue without any mishap.
According to the district administration, devotees will not be allowed to offer Arghya at the following ghats: Buddha Ghat, Rajapur Pul Ghat, Naya Panchmukhi Chauraha Ghat, Pehalwan Ghat, Kantahi Ghat, Bans Ghat, Gulabi Ghat, Adalat Ghat, TN Banerjee Ghat, Adarkh Ghat, Judges Ghat, Mishri Ghat, and Bundel Toli Ghat. The administration has said that the ban will remain in place throughout the festival. Officials have already put up barricades and warning boards near these ghats and are deploying teams of police and disaster management personnel to monitor the situation.
While some ghats are restricted, arrangements have been made at hundreds of other places for Chhath devotees. Reports say that devotees will be able to offer Arghya at nearly 550 ghats across Patna, along the Ganges and its tributaries. Apart from the riverbanks, preparations have also been completed at ponds, lakes, and parks across the city. Within the Patna Municipal Corporation limits alone, more than 200 sites have been made ready for Chhath rituals. Officials have assured that all safe ghats have been properly cleaned, inspected, and marked for public use.
The district administration has made extensive arrangements for safety, cleanliness, and convenience at these ghats. Around 400 temporary changing rooms and 552 toilets have been set up for devotees. To ensure smooth crowd management, 171 watchtowers have been built for continuous monitoring. In addition, 450 temporary urinals and 50 water tankers have been placed at major ghats. For clean drinking water, 37 hand pumps have been installed. Thirteen passenger sheds and 112 control rooms have also been prepared to assist people. Authorities said that the arrangements aim to make sure devotees can celebrate the Chhath festival with full devotion and safety.
Officials have urged all devotees to follow safety guidelines and visit only the ghats that have been approved for rituals. They said that the administration is working round the clock to ensure the smooth conduct of this major festival, which holds deep cultural and emotional significance in Bihar. With faith and tradition guiding the celebrations, the people of Patna are all set to welcome the rising and setting sun with prayers, songs, and offerings — keeping safety as their first priority.
