Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh:
Hundreds of devotees, especially women, assembled at Laxman Mela Ghat on the banks of the Gomti River in Lucknow on Sunday to observe Chhath Puja, one of the most significant festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God. The ghat was illuminated with diyas and decorated with flowers as women, dressed in traditional attire, performed evening rituals and offered prayers to the setting sun.
The Chhath festival, observed mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, has over the years found widespread participation across India. In Lucknow, Laxman Mela Ghat has become a major venue for the celebrations, attracting thousands of devotees who come to pay their respects to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya.
Women devotees began arriving at the ghat in the afternoon, carrying baskets filled with fruits, sugarcane, coconuts, and thekua (a traditional sweet dish) as offerings. As the sun began to set, they stood in knee-deep water, offering arghya (water oblation) to the Sun God while chanting devotional songs. The rituals were performed with great devotion, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual significance of the festival.
Local authorities, in coordination with the Lucknow Municipal Corporation and police, made extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Barricades were placed for crowd control, and cleanliness drives were carried out at the ghats before the festival. Adequate lighting, medical assistance, and security personnel were also deployed to handle the large gatherings.
District officials reported that similar arrangements were made at other popular ghats, including Kudiya Ghat and Daliganj Ghat, where thousands of devotees offered prayers. Volunteers and local organizations assisted in distributing prasad and maintaining cleanliness throughout the day.
Speaking about the festival, a devotee from Alambagh said, “Chhath Puja is a time of deep faith and discipline. We fast for two days and pray for the well-being of our family. Performing the rituals at the riverbank gives a feeling of spiritual fulfillment.”
The four-day Chhath Puja began with Nahay Khay, followed by Kharna, the offering to the Sun on the third day, and will conclude with the morning arghya to the rising sun. The festival emphasizes purity, devotion, and gratitude to nature for sustaining life.
Authorities have appealed to devotees to maintain cleanliness around the ghats and avoid using plastic items. Environmental groups have also supported the initiative by setting up collection points for biodegradable waste.
The Chhath Puja celebrations at Laxman Mela Ghat reflect the cultural unity of Lucknow, where people from various communities participate and assist in maintaining the festive spirit. The sight of women offering prayers against the backdrop of the illuminated riverfront made for a serene and spiritual atmosphere in the city.
