BHOPAL
: The four-day celebrations of
Chhath Puja began in the City of Lakes with the traditional
Nahay Khay
ceremony, amid the shadow of
Coronavirus.
The organising committees and district administration have elaborate arrangements to ensure that the
Covid safety protocols
are being followed.
On Wednesday, the Ganga Chhath ghat, Sheetal Das Ki Bagiya, Vardhaman Sunset Park received a makeover. “We will miss the togetherness of Chhath puja this year, but safety is also important. This year, we will pray to the Chhath Mata to help us overcome the
Covid crisis
," said Shalini Kumar, a resident of Bagmugalia. There are others who will visit the ghats on the fourth day to offer argya to the Sun God.
“We will go to Sheetal Das Ki Bagiya to offer argya to the Sun God. Usually, the whole family goes together, but this year, only my husband and I will go, complete the rituals and head back straight home,” said Malti Sinha, a resident of Kolar Road. Keeping up with the festivities, the Bhojpuri Ekta Manch has set up a hand mill at Shani temple, Kamla Park, which was inaugurated by DIG Irshad Wali.
Kunwar Prasad, the chairperson of the Bhojpuri Ekta Manch said, “Masks are compulsory at the site. We have made provision of sanitisers and the people have been advised to follow the social distancing norms. A team of doctors will also be present to conduct random medical checks.” He added: “We will also divert people to different sites, if there is crowding at one place to limit overcrowding.”
The first day of Chhath Puja is called Kaddu Bhaat or Nahai Khai was marked on Wednesday. On this day, parvaitin (the main worshipper who keeps fast) cooks the most Satvik Kaddu Bhaat and serves it to the deity in the afternoon as
Bhog
. This marks the beginning of the Chhath festival and is the last meal of Parvaitin during Chhath Puja.
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