4-day fest begins with holy dip

RANCHI: Though Chhath is a Hindu festival, the cosmopolitan culture of the city makes people from all communities extend a helping hand to Chhath-vratis (devotees).
The Raj Bhavan and the government fishery department have thrown open their ponds for devotees to offer prayers to the sun god. The pond opposite the Raj Bhavan is an extension of the governor house garden.
It was converted into a green stretch called the Nakshtra Van almost a decade back. While the area was being beautified the people had wondered if the pond could still be used by them during Chhath. Taking note of this, the governor house had not only beautified the pond but also allowed devotees to use the waterbody for Chhath as they were doing for several years.
Yet another popular Chhath spot is the pond owned by the department of fisheries in Doranda and Dhurva in Sector II. Since the pond is used regularly, it is clean and people like using it for taking the holy dip.
Roads and alleys leading to the Ranchi Lake go through Muslim colonies of Mallah Toli and Hindpiri. Different socio-religious groups across both communities take extra care to ensure devotees are not inconvenienced during their journey.
Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, who has been making the arrangements in these areas for more than two decades, said without the cooperation of local Muslim youths, the arrangements could not have been possible. "They not only help us clean the streets and maintain cleanliness all through the festive period, but also come forward to install lights and decorate the area," he said.
Khurshid Hasan Rumi of Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat said during the festive days appeals are issued by socio-religious groups to extend cooperation to devotees.
"Those selling chicken and fish in colonies leading to the Ranchi Lake, ensure the place is clean," he said.
Youths who can swim also keep vigil over ghats to avert accidents. Interestingly, offerings used in Chhath Puja are mostly sold by Muslims. Rumi said bamboo containers (soupe and daura) are procured in large numbers from artisans by traders so that there is no crisis during the festival. "Most of the fruit-sellers are Muslims," he said.