With only five days remaining for the much-awaited Chhath festival, devotees in Samastipur are facing uncertainty about where they can offer their Arghya this year. The rising waters of the Budhi Gandak River, which flows through the heart of Samastipur city, have submerged most of the Chhath ghats in the area. This sudden flooding has raised serious concerns about the preparations for the grand religious observance. With the ghats submerged, devotees are left with few options to perform their traditional rituals.
Flooding of Budhi Gandak River Affects Chhath Ghats in Samastipur
The Budhi Gandak River has risen above the danger mark due to continuous upstream water flow. As a result, the Chhath ghats, which stretch across a three-kilometre area—from Dharmapur to Jitwarpur—are currently submerged. This stretch falls entirely within the jurisdiction of Samastipur’s municipal corporation. For residents living along the riverbanks, the situation is unprecedented. Traditionally, many devotees perform the Chhath Puja by the river, but this year’s floods have changed everything.
A local resident shared their concerns, stating, “After many years, the river is in flood during Chhath. The water level is so high that devotees may have to offer prayers from the dam.” The flooding of the ghats has caused a great deal of confusion and worry about where the religious rituals can be performed safely.
Local Administration’s Response: Efforts to Make Temporary Arrangements
The submergence of the ghats has highlighted the administration’s lack of preparedness. Locals have pointed out that the civic authorities have been preoccupied with election-related duties, leaving little attention to Chhath festival arrangements despite the massive public participation it commands every year. As millions of devotees typically gather at the Budhi Gandak River to offer Arghya to the setting and rising sun, the situation is more critical than ever.
Municipal Corporation President Anita Ram acknowledged the difficulties faced by the residents. She confirmed that the administration is taking steps to address the situation by making temporary arrangements. Ram said, “In view of the unexpected rise in water levels, we are identifying higher spots along the riverbank and cleaning them by digging shallow pits so that devotees can perform puja there.” However, she expressed concerns about accommodating the large number of people who typically visit the Budhi Gandak ghats, adding that alternative arrangements for puja at homes might be necessary.
Devotees Urged to Make Alternative Arrangements for Arghya Offering
The ongoing flooding has created tension among devotees and local volunteers, who have called for immediate measures to ensure safety and cleanliness at temporary ghats before the Chhath rituals begin. Despite the best efforts of the authorities, it remains a challenge to find sufficient space for all devotees, given the volume of people expected to participate in the festival.
The temporary ghats being set up may not be sufficient to handle the crowd that typically gathers at the Budhi Gandak ghats. As the festival draws nearer, officials are closely monitoring the river’s behavior, hoping for a decrease in water levels. The situation remains uncertain, and many people are left with no choice but to make adjustments to their Chhath celebrations this year.
Chhath Festival’s Importance and Devotees’ Dilemma
Chhath is one of the most significant festivals in Bihar, with millions of devotees gathering to offer Arghya to the setting and rising sun. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious fervor, with people traveling from all parts of the state to participate in the rituals. The Chhath ghats on the banks of the river hold immense importance for devotees, and any disruption to these locations can cause significant distress.
Given the current situation, the challenge of offering Arghya without the usual access to the ghats has left many devotees uncertain. The heavy rains and floods have impacted the traditional setup, and the lack of preparation has led to frustration. As a result, many are seeking alternative locations to perform the rituals, including conducting the puja at home or other available spots.
Uncertainty Over River’s Behavior in the Coming Days
The next few days will be crucial in determining whether the situation improves or worsens. Local officials and volunteers continue to assess the river’s behavior, as it remains a critical factor in planning the Chhath rituals. If the water level does not subside, it is likely that more temporary ghats will need to be set up in higher areas to accommodate the devotees.
However, there is also concern about whether these temporary arrangements will meet the demand of the large crowds expected. The authorities have urged citizens to remain patient and make alternate arrangements if necessary, but for many, the traditional experience of offering Arghya at the ghats is irreplaceable.
The Role of Volunteers and Local Support in Chhath Festival Arrangements
Local volunteers and community members have stepped up to help the administration manage the situation. These volunteers are working tirelessly to clean the temporary ghats and make sure they are safe for the devotees to perform their rituals. Despite the challenges, the community spirit remains strong, with people coming together to ensure that Chhath Puja is conducted as smoothly as possible under the given circumstances.
Volunteers are also helping to raise awareness among the local population, encouraging them to follow safety protocols and avoid overcrowding at the temporary ghats. They have been working with local authorities to ensure that adequate resources are available to support the large numbers of people expected during the festival.
As Chhath festival approaches, Samastipur is grappling with a significant challenge due to the flooding of the Budhi Gandak River. The submergence of Chhath ghats has left devotees uncertain about where they can offer Arghya this year. The situation is compounded by the lack of preparedness from the local administration, which has been distracted by other priorities, such as election work.
While efforts are being made to set up temporary arrangements, it remains unclear whether these will be sufficient to accommodate the large number of devotees expected. Volunteers and residents are working together to manage the situation, but many are still hopeful for a solution that will allow them to carry out the rituals as they have done for years. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the authorities will address the challenges posed by the floodwaters and whether Chhath Puja can be celebrated with the same zeal and devotion as always.
