By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar participated in the Chhath Puja celebrations at his residence, where his sister and other family members performed the rituals. The Chief Minister’s family offered Arghya (offerings) to Lord Bhaskar (the Sun God) at a specially built pond on the CM residence premises. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also offered his own Arghya in devotion. The event was attended by a small group of close associates alongside the family members.
Following the Arghya ceremony, Nitish Kumar travelled by steamer to the Ganga riverbanks in Patna to witness the larger celebrations of Chhath Mahaparva. He was joined by BJP National President and Union Minister JP Nadda, as well as Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Sinha. JP Nadda, who has returned to Patna for the Chhath festival after many years, was welcomed at the airport along with both Deputy Chief Ministers and State President Dilip Jaiswal.
Today marks the first Arghya of the Chhath festival, with Vratis (devotees) offering prayers to the setting Sun, Lord Bhaskar. Thousands of devotees have gathered at the Chhath Ghats, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
In Patna, the banks of the Ganga have seen participation from lakhs of devotees in this festival of reverence. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar personally supervised preparations to ensure the comfort and safety of devotees and pilgrims. Special attention has been given to maintaining cleanliness and security, with a large team of divers stationed in the Ganga to monitor the crowds and enhance safety.
