Patna: As the sun begins to rise over the banks of the Ganga and other riverbeds, the vibrant celebrations of Chhath are drawing several families from far-off places to Bihar to perform puja here with great religious fervour. This ancient festival, dedicated to the Sun God and ‘Chhathi Maiya’, has recently seen an influx of devotees who have travelled thousands of kilometres to partake in the rituals that symbolise gratitude and hope.
Among the devotees are women from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Rajasthan and Karnataka, each sharing their unique stories of devotion. Many have come to express their wishes for health, prosperity, and success in personal endeavours. For these women, Chhath is not just a festival, it is a spiritual journey that they believe will help them realise their aspirations and secret wishes.
One such devotee, Rashmi Ballabh from Gujarat, shared her experiences and said she has been performing Chhath for several years. “This year, I have travelled to Bihar to fulfil my wish for my children and the well-being of the family. I believe the Sun God will bless us,” she said, adding that she will perform puja at her in-laws’ house at A G Colony.
A 36-year-old devotee Kushboo, who lives in Mumbai, has come to Khagaul to carry on her mother-in-law’s legacy to perform Chhath for the first time. “Though I am a bit nervous, I feel honoured to perform the puja for the welfare of the family and fulfilment of wishes for my husband and children,” she said, adding that the rituals involve an elaborate process, including fasting, preparing traditional offerings and performing a series of prayers.
A social activist of Khagaul Rakhi Kumari lauded the efforts of the district administration and said that the Bihar govt has initiated measures to ensure the safety and comfort of these devotees with a special focus on cleanliness and accessibility at various ghats in and around the city.
Nikhita Sinha of Anisabad, who has also come from New Delhi, said Chhath transcends regional barriers allowing women to connect and support one another in their spiritual journeys. “The journey to Bihar is more than just a pilgrimage. It is also a testament of faith and resilience reinforcing the importance of tradition in contemporary life,” she said.

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