Bihar government asks aged people, kids not to visit Chhath ghats

In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic this year, the Bihar state government has asked senior citizens and children below 10 years not to visit the ghats for celebrating Chhath amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The state home department, in its order on Sunday, issued detailed guidelines for celebrating Chhath. It has also urged those suffering from fever or any other kind of serious ailments to remain indoors and not to reach the Ganga or any river ghat to offer ‘arghya’ to the Sun God. The Chhath celebrations will begin on November 18 with ‘nahay-khay’ and conclude with the morning arghya to the Sun God on November 21.

In the guidelines, the state government has also mentioned that devotees should not take a dip at ghats during Chhath this time while performing ‘arghya’. The ghats will be barricaded in such a way to prevent people from taking a dip in the river water.

No fair, religious events like ‘jagaran’ or cultural event would be allowed across the state during the Chhath festivities. Authorities have been directed to officially encourage people to celebrate Chhath indoors as gatherings take place at the river ghats or near ponds, which will make it impossible to maintain social distancing and increase the risk of spreading Covid-19 virus.

No food stalls would be allowed around the ghats during Chhath. Besides, community feeding (bhoj) or distribution of ‘prasad’ or ‘bhog’ would also not be allowed. Chhath Puja organizing committees along with the officials would have to ensure an adequate amount of sanitisers for everyone.
The government has directed the district administrations to make arrangements for the devotees to carry water from important rivers to their respective homes for the festival while maintaining social distancing and ensuring the use of masks by everyone.

Social distancing and use of masks would have to be ensured even at small water bodies where people gather for Chhath.

District administrations have been directed to sanitize places around the water bodies. The urban development and housing department and panchayati raj department have been directed to issue required directions for the sanitization works.

The local administrations have also been directed to take help from puja committees, civic bodies, ward councillors, panchayat representatives, and others in spreading awareness about Covid-19 and the regulations issued by the Centre as well as the state government.

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