Shahdol readies four ghats for about 6,000 devotees at Chhath Puja, 200 altars at Mohanram pond

Preparations for Chhath Puja have begun in Shahdol. About 6,000 devotees are expected to gather at four water bodies in the city. The largest event will be held at the Mohanram temple pond complex. The organising committee is busy with cleaning the ghat, lighting and other arrangements.

About 3,000 devotees may arrive at the Mohanram temple pond complex, where 200 altars are being built for the puja. Ravindra Singh, president of the Uttar Purv Bharatiya Sangh, said about 200 puja altars would be built at the Mohanram pond. Cleaning and lighting of the ghat are being arranged for the convenience of devotees.

Chhath Puja will also be held at the Mudna river, Banganga Kund and Patelnagar Badi Bheet. Work on cleaning and decorating the ghats is under way at these places too.

The four-day ritual will begin with Nahay-Khay on Friday, November 13. Kharna will be observed on Saturday, November 14. On the evening of Sunday, November 15, the fasting devotees will offer arghya to the setting sun. On the morning of Monday, November 16, after offering arghya to the rising sun, they will break the 36-hour waterless fast.

Families of the north-eastern Indian community worship Suryadev and Chhathi Maiya on this festival. The ritual is performed for the happiness and prosperity of the family and for the long life and well-being of children.