Guwahati: City’s river banks were abuzz with thousands of devotees on Thursday afternoon as they gathered to perform Chhath Puja rituals and offer prayers to the Sun God.
During the four-day festival, which began on Nov 5, devotees gathered on the river banks and offered prayers to the setting sun on the third day. The devotees will offer prayers to the rising sun on Friday morning as well.
Devotees clad in traditional attire offered prayers, fruits, and flowers and delicacies prepared at home to the setting sun and worshiped Chhati Maiya, seeking blessings for their prosperity, good health and happiness, filling the atmosphere with chants, hymns and the sound of conch shells.
The river banks were decorated with garlands and colourful lights on the occasion. Different cultural programs were also arranged at the ghats for entertainment of the devotees.
Assam and Manipur governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya extended his greetings to the devotees on the occasion. “Heartiest greetings on the occasion of “Chhath Puja”, the great festival of Surya-worship and folk faith. I pray to Lord Bhaskar Ji that he provides happiness, peace, prosperity and good health to all the fasting people and loved ones including the dear citizens of Assam and Manipur. Hail Chhathi Maiya!” the governor wrote on X.
Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the festival dedicated to the Sun god gives everyone an opportunity to express gratitude to nature and life.
Although Chhath Puja is mostly celebrated by the people of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand, it has mow gained acceptance among other communities such as the Marwaris, Assamese and Bengalis.
“In the Chhath Puja rituals, prayers are offered to the setting sun and his sister goddess Chhath. The uniqueness of the puja lies in the fact that no idol is worshipped. The participation of other communities has strengthened our bonds and fostered a sense of camaraderie for a unified society,” said a devotee at Guwahati’s Lachit ghat on Thursday.
The district administration, city police and the puja organisers collaboratively worked to ensure smooth celebrations and safety of the devotees. Traffic branch of Guwahati police also issued vehicular regulations on several routes of the city from Thursday till Friday.