Kanpur: The Chhath Puja festival, a testament to religious devotion, concluded in the city with great fervour. During the early hours of Friday morning, worshippers completed their rituals by presenting offerings to the rising sun, which marked the conclusion of their 36-hour long fast without water.
The city's prominent ghats and canal banks witnessed significant gatherings of devotees in the early morning hours. Many fasting women gathered at various locations, including Panki, Armapur, CTI, and Saket Nagar canal banks, along with Atal Ghat, Sarasaiya Ghat and Gola Ghat, where they offered prayers seeking family well-being and blessings for children.
Varsha, a resident of Panki, explained the festival's significance and its roots in mythology. "There are many legends associated with Chhath. It is believed that goddess Sita first conducted the Chhath Puja on the banks of the Ganga in Munger while she was in exile with Lord Ram, which led to the commencement of this festival of faith, and now we follow the tradition. Once our wishes are fulfilled, we perform the rituals," Varsha said. Prayers are offered to the Sun God and his sister Chhathi Mai. tnn