Chhath puja devotees witness growing participation in Dhangadhi

Dhangadhi: The Chhath Puja Service Committee Dhangadhi has been organizing Chhath Puja on the banks of the Mohana River in Kailali for the past 13 years, and the number of devotees attending the festival continues to rise.

Committee Chairman Santosh Mandal stated that in the early years, only five tented worship rooms were set up along the riverbank, whereas this year at least 260 worship rooms have been constructed. Initially, the festival cost around Rs 35,000, but expenses have now increased to Rs 1.5 million.

The committee organizes the festival annually with financial support from local authorities, industrialists, traders, various organizations, and the general public. While the worship site was relatively quiet in the initial years, around one lakh devotees and visitors now attend the event annually. Previously celebrated mainly by the Mithila community, Chhath Puja has recently seen participation from diverse communities. “More than 300 families from various communities worship at Mohana Chhathighat, while around 2,000 devotees offer flowers and water to Suryanarayan,” Mandal added.

Vice-Chairman Roshan Kumar Karna highlighted that preparations begin a month prior to the festival, with local residents assisting in cleaning the riverbanks. “In the past, other communities showed little interest, but now people of all ages participate actively,” he said.

During Chhath, devotees observe fasts seeking the long life of family members, happiness, peace, prosperity, protection from diseases, and the blessing of children. This year, 256 worship rooms have been constructed at Mohana Ghat, adorned with tents, lights, colorful garlands, and flags to create an attractive environment. Entrances have also been decorated at main points in Dhangadhi Bazaar to welcome devotees and visitors.

Idols of the Sun and other deities, brought from eastern Nepal, have been painted and decorated, and final preparations are underway. A large pandal has been built on the riverbank with arrangements for devotees to observe rituals, stay overnight, and participate in the festivities. Programs including bhajans, kirtans, dances, and performances by national and international artists, as well as cultural tableaus of various gods and goddesses, have been organized.

The Chhath festival, celebrated with devotion to promote family happiness, peace, prosperity, health, and fulfillment of desires, continues to attract large gatherings at rivers, ponds, lakes, and reservoirs across Dhangadhi.