In preparation for the four-day Chhath Puja festival beginning in late October, authorities in Patna have undertaken massive arrangements. With millions of devotees expected to offer prayers to the setting and rising sun, the Patna district administration has declared over 100 ghats on the Ganga, along with numerous ponds and parks, ready for the festival. The preparations aim to ensure safety, convenience, and the smooth conduct of rituals across the city.
According to officials, more than 102 ghats along the Ganga River, 45 parks, and 63 ponds have been fully prepared for the festivities. Permanent ghats have been connected to the riverfront and equipped with crowd-management facilities and support staff to facilitate devotee movement.
A key focus has been on safety infrastructure. Over 170 watch-towers have been erected, while around 440 swimmers and over 300 boats have been deployed for river-patrol and rescue operations. Special teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are also on standby. Moreover, the authorities have cautioned devotees against using certain ghats that have been declared “dangerous” or “unfit” following inspections of erosion, water current strength, and structural stability.
To ease pressure on the main riverbanks, the administration is encouraging the use of alternative water-bodies. Artificial ponds, rooftop ponds, and local tanks have been prepared so that households can perform the ritual of arghya (offering to the Sun God) without congestion at major ghats. Entry restrictions and traffic management plans have been implemented around crowded ghats. For instance, access to certain areas such as Collectorate Ghat and Mahendru Ghat is restricted, with vehicular entry limited beyond designated points.
Civic amenities have also been significantly scaled up. Temporary toilets, drinking-water hand-pumps, and parking zones have been arranged at major ghats and nearby areas under the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC). Additionally, to assist devotees unable to travel to riverfront ghats, the PMC has introduced a doorstep delivery service of Ganga water via tankers across all six city zones.
While the festivities are a symbol of deep faith and devotion, the administration remains mindful of maintaining public order, especially as the festival coincides with Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections. Officials have coordinated the event schedule, crowd dispersal, and awareness campaigns to ensure both the religious and civic aspects proceed smoothly.
As Chhath Puja 2025 approaches, Patna’s extensive preparations reflect a balance between devotion, safety, and civic responsibility. With enhanced infrastructure, volunteer mobilization, disaster-response readiness, and innovative doorstep services, the administration aims to provide a safe and dignified experience for millions of worshippers. The coming days will reveal the effectiveness of these measures as devotees gather to offer prayers to the setting and rising sun in celebration of faith and tradition.
