By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Chhath festival is set to take place at approximately 550 small and large ghats in Patna, with extensive preparations ongoing at around 102 Ganga Ghats, 45 parks, and 63 ponds across the city. Parking arrangements for over 10,000 vehicles are being established at multiple locations. The festival will commence with the ritual of Nahai-Khai on 5 November, with a target set to finalise preparations at the Chhath Ghats in advance.
To ensure smooth passage for devotees, several traffic route adjustments have been implemented. In Patna, altered traffic rules will be in effect from 12:00 noon to 10:00 pm on 7 November, and from 2:00 am on 8 November until traffic normalises. These restrictions will apply to all vehicles, excluding essential services.
Around 100 Chhath Ghats from Didarganj to Danapur within Patna’s urban areas are being readied for worship, with parking facilities organised at approximately 45 sites for Chhath attendees. This year, Collectorate Ghat and Bamboo Ghat have been added to the list of Chhath Puja locations. Parking for about 10,000 vehicles has been arranged at Collectorate Ghat, while Bamboo Ghat will accommodate around 2,500 vehicles. Kargil Chowk to Didarganj will be closed to traffic, though vehicles transporting devotees may proceed to parking at Patna College and Science College Grounds via Khajanchi Road. Vehicles heading towards Gaighat will follow a route via the New Bypass to Dhanuki Mor, Sheetla Mata Temple, or Biscoman Golambar.
Only devotees’ vehicles will be permitted from Kargil Chowk to West Shahpur, and vehicular access on the JP Ganga Bridge will be suspended during Chhath Puja, with exceptions for emergency vehicles. Additional parking will be available at Gandhi Maidan, accessible from Gate No. 10 for devotees.
The district administration has made extensive arrangements for devotees, including toilets, medical camps, changing rooms, water taps, and shelters at the Ganga Ghats. Teams of magistrates, police, NDRF, SDRF personnel, doctors, ambulances, and NCC cadets will be stationed at all ghats. Enhanced lighting, watch towers, and barricading have been put in place to prevent individuals from venturing too far into the Ganga River. Dangerous ghats have been marked with red cloth to alert visitors.
Control rooms will be set up near key ghats, including Collectorate Ghat, Law College Ghat, Gaya Ghat, Patipul Bridge Ghat, and Ghat No. 93. Medical teams, comprising doctors, nurses, paramedics, and ambulances, will be deployed at intervals of three to four ghats. Fire engines will also be stationed at strategic locations.
Traffic SP Aparajit Lohan said that adjustments to the routes, along with the designated parking at 14 locations for over 10,000 vehicles, aim to facilitate a smooth and safe Chhath festival experience for all attendees.
