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New Delhi, October 25 (IANS) A huge crowd of passengers was seen at Delhi’s Anand Vihar railway station on Saturday, ahead of the Chhath festival. People were filled with excitement as they prepared to travel to their hometowns in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh to celebrate Chhath Puja with their families and perform puja.
The four-day Chhath festival began on 25 October with Nahay-Khay, which marks the beginning of the festivities.
Passengers at Anand Vihar railway station expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the Indian Railways. Separate ticket counters were set up, making it easier for passengers to purchase tickets, while security was tightened. RPF personnel were seen assisting passengers and guiding them about ticketing and boarding details.
Speaking to IANS, passenger Mohan Rai said, “Everything is very comfortable. We are getting excellent facilities here. I would like to thank the police and railway officials for this arrangement.”
Another passenger, Rajan, said, “I am going to Bihar. The facilities are excellent – I have never seen such arrangements before.”
To manage the surge in passenger traffic, Indian Railways has made elaborate preparations. Special trains, additional coaches and several passenger-friendly measures were introduced on major routes and major stations. A round-trip Chhath Puja special train has also been scheduled between Rani Kamlapati and Hazrat Nizamuddin.
This special train will have 22 LHB coaches, which will include two second AC, three third AC, six economy third AC, five sleeper, four general class, one SLRD and one generator car.
According to the Railway Ministry, around 6,181 special trains have been planned for October 28 to facilitate passengers returning to their workplaces after the festive season. Overall, more than 12,000 special trains are being operated across the country, with over 900 additional trips scheduled over the next three days to manage the festive rush.
Chhath Puja is one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is also celebrated in some parts of Nepal and among Indian communities around the world. Dedicated to the worship of Sun God and his sister Chhathi Maiya, this festival symbolizes purity, gratitude and the well-being of one’s family.
–IANS
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