Jamshedpur: Devotees offered prayers to the Sun God on the last day of the four-day Chhath Puja celebrations in the city. Thousands of housewives along with their families thronged the riverbanks to pray before the setting Sun for prosperity and happiness of their husbands and family members.
The banks of River Subarnarekha and Kharkai were abuzz with activities as devotees headed towards the �ghats� from Tuesday afternoon.
Thousands of devotees offered “Araghya“ to the setting sun at various ghats in Mango, Adityapur, Baghbera, Sidghora. However, ghats at Adityapur and Mango like always witnessed the maximum devotees.
Several temporary canopies were also put by city-based social and cultural organisations to lend help and essential commodities to the devotees and fast observers.
Moreover, district administration had deployed police personnel and emergency services like ambulance at riverbanks.
Some ardent devotees in Baghbera covered the entire route from their respective residences to the riverbanks stretching the body on the ground.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday worshipers proceed to the riverbank bearing their offerings in baskets held high. Further celebrations took place at nightfall under temporary canopies made from sugar cane stalks where offerings were laid out as a tribute to the god of fire.
Before sunrise, worshipers returned to the riverbank to pray to the rising sun; this ritual is considered the focal point of the ceremony of Chhath Puja. Following prayers and the purifying bathing ritual, the fast ended with the offering, or prasad, to the Sun God.
“The festival is a way to thank Sun god for giving us energy. Chhath Puja is performed to promote well being, progress and prosperity of the family, relatives and friend,” said Nisha Bajpai, a housewife.
Lakhs of devotees offered prayers after taking dip in rivers. The festival is also believed to be of truth, non-violence, forgiveness and compassion.
Devotees after offering salutations to the Sun indulge in singing folklores, hymns from Rig Veda for the better upkeep of their family. One of the popular beliefs associated with the festival is that worshiping Sun help in curing diseases such as leprosy and ensure longevity of family and friends.
Bhojpuri Sangh official, said, “The festival which aims at bringing peace and harmony in the family should be celebrated across the country. It is because of the Sun, we are able to survive and live. Hence, worshiping Sun god is a must.”