Nagpur: The city was bathed in the golden hues of devotion on Thursday as thousands of devotees gathered at Ambazari Lake to offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting Sun on the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja. Ambazari Lake mirrored the unwavering faith of the devotees as they stood in long queues, their faces illuminated by the fading sunlight. The air was filled with chants of ‘Surya Devta' and ‘Chhathi Maiyya', while the rhythmic beating of drums created a mesmerising atmosphere.
While Ambazari Lake was the epicentre of the celebrations, many devotees also flocked to the banks of the Kanhan River to pay their respects to the Sun god. Kaushal Pathak, national president of Akhil Bihari Manch, Nagpur, expressed joy at the overwhelming turnout. "The fervour and dedication of the devotees is truly inspiring. Chhath Puja is a testament to our region's deep-rooted cultural and spiritual heritage."
Praveen Jha, district president of Akhil Bihari Manch, echoed similar sentiments, "The Chhath Puja celebrations in Nagpur sees nearly 50,000 people at Ambazari Lake." Ajay Pathak of Bhojpuri Vichar Manch emphasised the health benefits of the rigorous fast. "The 48-hour fast during Chhath Puja is a powerful way to cleanse the body and mind. It's a testament to the wisdom of our ancestors."
The presence of several prominent figures underscored the significance of Chhath Puja. Jabalpur North Central MLA Abhilash Pandey and BJP candidate from Nagpur West Sudhakar Kohale graced the occasion, paying their respects to the devotees. Vivek Sharma of Rashtriya Chhath Puja Samiti shared the organisation's efforts to make the celebrations memorable. "We showered flowers on the devotees to express our gratitude and blessings. It's a small gesture to honour their unwavering faith."
Savita Pathak, a devotee who fasted for three days, spoke about the spiritual significance of the festival. "Chhath Puja is a sacred ritual that brings immense blessings to our families. It's a time for introspection, gratitude, and seeking divine grace."
Former mayor Dayashankar Tiwari highlighted the health benefits of the festival. "The Sun is the ultimate source of energy and Vitamin D. The rigorous fast during Chhath Puja is a natural way to boost our immune system and overall well-being."