Thaindian News

New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) The Yamuna river banks in the capital are all decked up as nearly 50 lakh people from Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand in the capital prepare for the rituals of Chhath puja Friday to worship the sun god.

Surya Shashthi, or Chhath puja as it is popularly known, is observed by the Poorvanchalis - the people from Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand.

The four-day festival which started Wednesday will Friday see thousands of devotees going to the banks of the Yamuna and other water bodies for the ceremonial first ‘Arghya’ (the ritual offering of water) to the setting sun.

The devotees pray to the sun god standing in water, make offerings of fruits and delicacies along with other materials of worship. The festival will conclude Saturday with an ‘Arghya’ to the rising sun.

The Delhi government says nearly 40 ghats along the river across the city have been cleaned up and logistic arrangements have been made for the festival.

The number of ghats has been increased from 28 last year in view of the large number of Poorvanchalis living in Delhi. The ITO Bridge, Kondli Bridge, Chilla village, Kalindi Kunj, Usmanpur, Prembadi Bridge, Narela and Badli Canal are some of the main ones where Chhath congregation arrangements have been made.

Delhi government officials said water and electricity arrangements are being made at the ghats, and tents, chairs and mobile toilets are being arranged for the devotees.

“Proper security measures would also be taken that include the presence of police personnel, divers and boats to avert any untoward incident. Doctors, mobile dispensaries and ambulances will also be present,” an official said.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Traffic Police are also geared up as traffic snarls are expected on the roads connecting to the Yamuna banks.

“Traffic jams are expected at Wazirabad, Geeta Colony, Shakarpur, IP Estate, ITO, Bhairon Marg, Kalindi Kunj, Bhalasva Lake, Bawana Road, Rohini, Ring Road, New Ashok Nagar, Paschim Vihar, Sultanpuri, Narela, Kalkaji and Nangloi,” a Traffic police official said.