JANAKPURDHAM: The ponds and reservoirs of Janakpurdham have been beautifully decorated with lights and colorful pandals as preparations for the four-day Chhath festival get underway.
The festival, which officially began on Saturday, has brought renewed vibrancy to the ancient city. Major ponds such as Gangasagar, Aragya Sagar, Dasharath Pond, Agnikunda, Dhanushsagar, and Matkorwa Pokhari have been adorned with decorations and electric lighting to welcome devotees.
Gangasagar Chhath Committee Chair Hari Narayan Gupta said this year’s preparations are more organized than in previous years. “Every year, devotees bring their own offerings for Argha from home, and the ghats are decorated by local volunteers. This time, the arrangements are more systematic,” he said.
Three committees are overseeing decorations at Gangasagar, where the installation of pandals is nearly complete and lighting work is ongoing.
The four-day Chhath festival began with Nahaya-Khay on Saturday, followed by ‘Kharna’ on Sunday, when devotees fast all day and prepare kheer (rice pudding) in the evening as an offering.
The main day, Monday, involves preparing traditional delicacies like Thekuwa and Bhuswa, along with sacred items such as bananas, clay pots, and kalash (holy urns). Devotees offer Arghya to the setting sun in the evening.
The festival concludes on Tuesday morning, when Arghya is offered to the rising sun, marking the end of the fast. The federal government has declared a public holiday on the main day of Chhath, while the Madhes provincial government has announced a provincial holiday the following day.
Comment