By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in Patna, with the four-day celebration beginning with Nahai-Khai on 5th November. Chhath Ghats are being constructed along the banks of the Ganges to facilitate the rituals. On Sunday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted a road inspection of several Chhath ghats, accompanied by officials, to review the preparations for this grand festival of devotion. He urged the officials to expedite the construction and completion of the Chhath ghats.
The Chief Minister surveyed key ghats, including Patipul Ghat, JP Setu Western Ghat, JP Setu Ghat, Pahelwan Ghat, LCT Ghat, Collectorate Ghat, and Krishna Ghat in Digha, travelling via the JP Ganga Path. At Patipul Ghat in Digha, he inspected the ongoing arrangements and emphasised the importance of ensuring the convenience and safety of the devotees attending the Chhath rituals.
He instructed that roads leading to the Chhath ghats be promptly repaired to ensure ease of access for devotees. Furthermore, he emphasised the need to provide facilities that ensure devotees encounter no issues while offering Arghya, the ritual offerings, stressing both safety and convenience measures.
Accompanying the Chief Minister during the inspection were Principal Secretary Deepak Kumar, Secretary Anupam Kumar, District Magistrate Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, and Senior Superintendent of Police Rajiv Mishra, among other officials.
On Saturday morning, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, along with his team, inspected the ghats from a steamer, providing further directives to accelerate ghat construction, improve cleanliness, maintain hygiene, and enhance security arrangements. Officials reported that approximately Rs 13.4 crore will be allocated for the cleaning, repair, and construction of the Chhath ghats and connecting roads.
