Jamshedpur, Nov 11: Standing waist-deep in water for the longevity and well-being of their family members, thousands of devotees on Thursday offered prayers to the Sun God on the last day of the four-day Chhath Puja celebrations in the city.
The banks of River Subarnarekha and Kharkai were abuzz with activities as devotees headed towards the ‘ghats’ from Wednesday afternoon.
Thousands of devotees offered “Araghya“ to the setting sun at various ghats in Mango, Adityapur, Baghbera, Sidhgora. However, ghats at Adityapur and Mango like always witnessed the maximum devotees.
Several temporary canopies were also put up by city-based social and cultural organisations to lend help and essential commodities to the devotees and fast observers. Moreover, the district administration had deployed police personnel and emergency services like an ambulance at riverbanks.
Some ardent devotees in Bagbera covered the entire route from their respective residences to the riverbanks stretching the body on the ground.
A medical team and an ambulance were deployed at Subernarekha ghat and Bodhanwala Ghat to meet emergencies. Danger zones were demarcated with red flags and ropes at various river ghats by Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC) while local divers were also deployed at Subernarekha ghat and Domuhani.
“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 friends,” said Nisha Sinha, 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 helps in curing diseases such as leprosy and ensures longevity of family and friends.