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Patna, October 27 (IANS) On Monday evening, on the third day of Chhath, the great festival of faith and devotion, devotees in Patna and the entire state of Bihar offered Arghya to the setting sun.
A wave of spiritual enthusiasm ran across the ghats, ponds and rooftops as lakhs of devotees prayed to Lord Surya (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya for peace, prosperity and happiness.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar performed Arghya ritual with his family at his official residence 1 Anne Marg and prayed for the progress and prosperity of Bihar.
After offering the offerings, he said, “May the state continue to prosper and may peace and prosperity prevail.”
Huge crowds of devotees gathered at various Ganga ghats in Patna, including Collectorate Ghat, NIT Ghat and Digha Ghat, as well as several artificial ponds created in parks and residential areas across the city.
On this occasion, the atmosphere became devotional with the echo of folk songs and the fragrance of incense.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, Bihar Minister Ashok Chaudhary and Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya along with BJP MLC Sanjay Mayukh also offered prayers to the setting sun.
Minister Nitin Nabin and Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan performed Chhath rituals with their families at their residence and party office respectively.
Ashok Chaudhary’s wife, who was observing Chhath fast, along with her family offered Arghya to the Sun.
Similar scenes of devotion were seen all over Bihar – from Patna to Arwal, Aurangabad, Muzaffarpur and Bhagalpur.
Dev, In Aurangabad, also known as Suryanagari (City of the Sun), thousands of devotees took a dip in the sacred Surya Kund (Sun Pond) and offered prayers to the Sun God.
The Dev Surya Temple was illuminated with lamps and lights and slogans of “Chhathi Maiya Ke Jai” echoed in the air.
According to local belief, those who perform Chhath Puja with true heart in the deity, their wishes are fulfilled, due to which devotees come here from all over Bihar and neighboring states.
A huge crowd gathered at the historic Madhushravan Chhath Ghat in Arwal, where extensive arrangements were made by the district administration with the help of local committees.
Magistrates, police officers and security personnel were deployed to control the crowd and ensure security.
Monday is the third day of this festival, which is known for offering Arghya to the setting sun.
Devotees celebrated Nahay-Khay on the first day, followed by Kharna on the second day, after which a 36-hour waterless fast began.
The Chhath Mahaparva will conclude on Tuesday morning (October 28), when devotees will offer Arghya to the rising sun and break their fast (Paran), marking the completion of the four-day festival.
–IANS
AJK/UK