On the final day of the sacred Chaiti Chhath festival, a wave of devotion and spiritual energy swept across parts of India, particularly in Patna, where countless devotees gathered at the banks of the Ganga to offer their final ‘arghya’ to the rising sun. The ritual, rich in tradition and symbolic of gratitude and hope, marked the conclusion of the four-day-long festival that celebrates the Sun God, Lord Bhaskar, as the source of life, light, and prosperity.
The early morning atmosphere was charged with devotion as women, draped in vibrant saris, carried traditional bamboo baskets known as ‘soop’ and ‘daura’, filled with offerings of fruits, sweets, and sacred items. The air resonated with melodious Chaiti Chhath songs and chants, creating a soulful experience that touched every heart present.
While the ghats at Digha, Collectorate, NIT, and Shahpur in Danapur remained major centres for the rituals, many families also performed the puja on the terraces of their homes, keeping the spirit of tradition alive even in urban settings. The final offering, or ‘arghya’, was made using milk and Gangajal — a gesture that signifies purity, surrender, and deep faith.
This year’s rituals held additional significance as they aligned with the auspicious Mrigashira Nakshatra and Shobhan Yoga, amplifying the spiritual impact of the prayers. As the first light of dawn touched the earth, devotees stood waist-deep in water, their folded hands raised in reverence, silently expressing their hopes for well-being, prosperity, and familial harmony.
Many devotees expressed heartfelt gratitude for being able to observe the fasts and rituals, which are considered acts of great discipline and faith. Parks and the Patna Zoo also joined in the spirit by opening their gates for free to the ‘vratis’ and devotees after 2 PM, offering them a peaceful space to rest and rejoice.
In a world often clouded by noise and haste, festivals like Chaiti Chhath remind us of the beauty of devotion, the strength of community, and the enduring power of tradition passed down through generations.
