Increasing number of devotees attend Chhath puja at Mohana river in Dhangadhi

Dhangadhi: The Chhath Puja organized by the Chhath Puja Seva Samiti Dhangadhi on the banks of the Mohana River continues to see a rise in devotees each year.

For over a decade, the committee has celebrated the Chhath festival at the river, starting with only five prayer houses. Today, over 300 devotees come with tents and offerings. Santosh Mandal, committee chairman, noted that initial expenditures for the festival were around 35,000 rupees, a figure that has now increased to nearly 2 million rupees. This growth has been supported by local donors, businesses, organizations, and the general public.

Attendance has surged over the years, with approximately 200,000 devotees and visitors gathering to observe the rituals. Vice President Roshan Kumar Karn shared that preparations begin a month in advance, focusing on cleaning and decorating the riverbanks to accommodate the rising number of attendees.

Over 250 worship spaces have been constructed this year, adorned with vibrant tents, lights, garlands, flags, and other decorative items. A grand entrance and welcome gate have also been set up near Dhangadhi Bazaar, enhancing the festival atmosphere. Statues of deities, including a significant Sun God sculpture from eastern Nepal, have been crafted, painted, and displayed along the river.

For the comfort of attendees, separate accommodations have been arranged for pilgrims, as well as facilities for those staying overnight. According to the committee, cultural programs featuring bhajans, dances, and performances by national and international artists, as well as tableaux representing various gods and goddesses, will take place throughout the festival.

Committee member Chandan Jaiswal emphasized that the festival’s tradition symbolizes prayers for family well-being, health, peace, prosperity, and fertility.