Delhi makes Chhath its own
As the sun set on Thursday, several thousand devotees had gathered around water bodies to pay their obeisance. Chhath is a special festival for the over 30 lakh people from Bihar and eastern UP in Delhi. And as they immersed themselves in the celebrations, there were a few complaints as well.
As the sun set on Thursday, several thousand devotees had gathered around water bodies to pay their obeisance. Chhath is a special festival for the over 30 lakh people from Bihar and eastern UP in Delhi. And as they immersed themselves in the celebrations, there were a few complaints as well.
Said Neenu Jha, who fasts for her son and husband's long life, it's auspicious to change clothes on the Ghat where prayers as offered before going back home. "In Bihar special arrangements are made to do this. In Delhi, however, it's a big problem for women," said Jha.
Chhath festivities were performed around 35 different water bodies in the city, including India Gate and the Sur-Yamuna Ghat. But many preferred the makeshift arrangements at home. "We prefer making our own ponds near our houses as the second Puja is performed early in the morning around four," said Rajat Shukla of Badarpur.
Devotees fast and the celebration ends with a morning prayer. During the fast, one can’t even have water. "I fast to please the goddess, who will bring prosperity," said Sushila Yadav, who has been praying for nine years.
