KATHMANDU, Nov 16: Preparations are underway for the construction of Chhathi Mai Puja sites in rivers and ponds at various locations in Kathmandu. The construction of Chhath Puja venues is currently ongoing at 21 different places in Kathmandu.
On the main day of the Chhath festival, places of worship are erected in Kamal Pokhari, Kupandol, Gaurighat, Nagpokhari, Gahanapokhari, and other locations in Kathmandu for the worship of Chhathi Mai. Activities such as cleaning, electricity connection, tenting, and other preparations are in progress at the designated worship sites.
Rajendra Singh, chairman of the Kamal Pokhari Chhath Committee, mentioned that the tent setup has started, and all the necessary arrangements will be completed by Saturday. He emphasized that, like in previous years, the management of river banks will be provided free of charge, and no donation boxes will be placed. The Chhathi Mai statue will be positioned outside, and traditional rituals such as aarti and bhajan kirtan will be performed.
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Kiran Kumar Das, coordinator of the Gaurighat Chhath Committee, reported that preparations are underway to construct 508 to 510 Chhath ghats. Approximately 80 percent of the ghat construction has been completed, with the remaining 20 percent expected to be finished by Saturday. Das acknowledged a potential decrease in the number of Chhath visitors this year due to economic challenges but expressed optimism based on the number of receipts received.
He stated, "We have estimated a slight decrease due to the economic recession. However, the number of receipts received indicates that many people will attend."
The Chhath festival, observed from Kartik Shukla Chaturthi to Saptami, involves the worship of the Sun God. Fasting during this festival is believed to bring relief from suffering and poverty. The festival begins on Friday with a bath and a meal on the day of Kartik Shukla Chaturthi.
The second day includes offering porridge made with sugar to Chhathi Mata, which is consumed as prasad by devotees. On this day, a square meal is eaten without salt. The main day of the Chhath festival features the worship of the setting sun in the evening, concluding with the worship of the rising sun the next morning.
