Patna, Nov 15: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday visited Chhath ghats in Patna along the Ganga on a ferry and extended festive greetings to devotees.
Choudhary travelled from Nasriganj Ghat in Danapur to Gaighat in Patna.
Lakhs of devotees worshipped Goddess 'Chhathi Maiya' by offering 'arghya' to the setting sun on Sunday at the Ganga, and other rivers and water bodies across the state. The second 'arghya' will be offered to the rising sun on Monday, marking the culmination of the four-day Chhath Puja.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, devotees present at the ghats greeted Choudhary, and he reciprocated with folded hands.
The CM has been regularly visiting Chhath ghats to review arrangements and ensure that devotees face no inconvenience, it said.
“The administration has made extensive arrangements for the convenience and safety of devotees at the ghats,” the statement said.
Several senior state government officials accompanied the chief minister during the visits, including Cooperative Minister Ramkripal Yadav, MPs Ravi Shankar Prasad and Bhim Singh, and MLA Shyam Rajak.
In a post on X earlier in the day, Choudhary prayed that the blessings of the setting sun and ‘Chhathi Maiya’ bring happiness, peace, prosperity and well-being to everyone's life.
"Heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all on the auspicious occasion of Sandhya Arghya, the third ritual of the festival of Chhath. Jai Chhathi Maiya," he said.
“Chhath, the festival of deep faith and devotion, has evolved from a local tradition into a global celebration. The festivities have spread across the world, with videos and visuals emerging from countries across Europe, America and Asia,” the CM said.
Choudhary said the state government has made every effort to beautify and decorate Bihar, and ensure that the state is clean, well-maintained and illuminated, so that devotees face no inconvenience.
“We are confident that this year's Chhath festival will be celebrated peacefully, safely and on a historic scale. We remain committed to giving this glorious tradition greater global recognition. Jai Chhathi Maiya! Jai Bihar,” he added.
For the first time, the district administration and authorities concerned are organising a 3D laser show along Patna's Marine Drive and at Digha Ghat on the occasion of Chhath Puja, officials said.
