2 weeks Ago
Ludhiana: As doubts linger over the release of water into Sidhwan Canal for the upcoming Chhath Puja , devotees in Ludhiana’s neighborhoods like Giaspura, Dhandhari, and Jassian are adapting by creating temporary ghats in vacant plots, parks, and even on their rooftops. These improvised spaces not only offer a convenient alternative to crowded water bodies but also address concerns over transportation and safety amid heavy traffic and congested canal ghats. Community members are now urging authorities to provide more accessible, alternative sites for future worship, emphasising that the festival holds cultural significance for many in the area.
In preparation for the ritual offerings to the Sun deity, residents have dug makeshift pools in open spaces and on rooftops, lining them with tarpaulins to hold water. Local leader Sandeep Shukla noted that some devotees are gathering in Giaspura’s park, which has been designated for the celebration on Thursday. He expressed frustration over the lack of official support for the event, calling on municipal authorities to clear garbage from vacant plots and convert them into designated worship sites, which would ease pressure on the city’s water bodies and provide safer options for devotees.
Devotee Raj Kishore shared that performing the ritual within the community is simpler for families and avoids the challenges posed by overcrowded canals and traffic, especially since the festival requires participants to remain up late into the evening and begin again at dawn. He and other residents are requesting that authorities establish temporary ghats in residential areas to support the high cost of celebrating Chhath Puja, which often ranges from ₹10,000 to 15,000. Rajnish Kumar, another local devotee, pointed out that numerous vacant lands under municipal control could be developed as worship sites, reiterating the festival’s significance for migrants from Bihar, UP, and Jharkhand.
He also referenced promises made by political leaders during previous campaigns, emphasizing the need for more consistent support for religious celebrations. We also published the following articles recently Devotees throng ghats for rituals & prayersas Chhath festival begins with nahay-khay Patna came alive with the vibrant Chhath festival as devotees thronged the Ganga ghats for the nahay-khay rituals. Donning colorful attire, they took holy dips, offered prayers, and prepared traditional dishes like kaddu-bhaat.
The festive spirit resonated with families reuniting and sharing stories, while authorities ensured safety and cleanliness at the ghats. Kolkata lakes to stay shut for Chhath devotees, ghats get ready for rituals Kolkata's Rabindra Sarobar and Subhas Sarobar will be closed from Wednesday evening to Friday afternoon for Chhath Puja, following a Calcutta High Court order. The closure aims to prevent religious rituals at the lakes.
Meanwhile, Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority is preparing 22 permanent and 18 temporary ghats along the Hooghly River for the festival. Chhath Puja in Delhi: Over 1,000 ghats ready to welcome devotees, says CM Atishi Delhi CM Atishi inspected Chhath Puja preparations at ITO Ghat, stating over 1,000 sites city-wide are being prepped. Atishi urged the BJP to avoid politicizing the festival while MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj criticized the party for allegedly hindering devotees at certain locations.
The AAP leader previously declared November 7 a public holiday in Delhi for Chhath Puja, recognizing its cultural importance..
