As Bihar prepares for Chhath Puja from November 13 to 16, 2026, a massive effort is underway to ready the state's riverbanks and ponds. Amidst thousands of locations, certain ghats stand out for their scale, history, and the fervour they attract.
Patna's Collectorate Ghat
Historically
one of Patna's most important and spacious ghats, the Collectorate Ghat is a focal point of the city's Chhath celebrations. Its central location and wide, sandy banks allow it to accommodate enormous crowds of devotees. Preparations here are extensive, with the Patna district administration focusing on crowd management, erecting barricades for safety, and ensuring proper lighting. Families gather here to offer 'Sandhya Arghya' (evening offerings) and 'Usha Arghya' (morning offerings) to the Sun God, making it a place of immense spiritual energy during the festival.
The Digha Ghat Stretch, Patna
Located in western Patna near the JP Setu, the Digha riverfront offers one of the largest continuous stretches for Chhath rituals. The vast space under and around the bridge is ideal for the large number of families that arrive from Danapur and other western suburbs. The administration ensures this area is well-lit and barricaded to prevent devotees from entering deep water. Its accessibility makes it a preferred spot, and like other major ghats, it sees a significant deployment of security personnel and disaster response teams to manage the flow of people and ensure safety.
Gandhi Ghat, Patna
Gandhi Ghat is another of Patna's most popular and iconic ghats, becoming a sea of humanity during Chhath Puja. It is at the heart of the capital's festivities, drawing thousands who come to perform rituals along the Ganga. The entire riverfront here is decorated, and the atmosphere is electric with devotion. Ahead of the 2026 festival, authorities are focused on cleanliness, repairing approach roads, and installing temporary facilities like changing rooms and medical camps to serve the devotees. The government has also banned the use of private boats to prevent accidents.
Kastaharni Ghat, Munger
Moving east from Patna, Kastaharni Ghat in Munger is a site of great religious importance. Its name translates to 'the bathing place that removes pain'. Situated along the Ganga near the historic Munger Fort, this ghat attracts a large number of devotees who gather to offer Arghya. Its scenic riverside setting combined with its historical context makes for a special Chhath experience. Local authorities work to ensure the ghat is clean, safe, and accessible, managing the crowds that come to partake in the traditional prayers and rituals.
Deo Surya Mandir & Kund, Aurangabad
Perhaps one of the most significant Chhath destinations in all of Bihar, Deo in Aurangabad district is home to a famous Sun Temple. The temple and its sacred pond, the Surya Kund, attract thousands of devotees, not just from Bihar but also from neighbouring states. The belief is that prayers offered here hold special significance. The festivities in Deo are on a grand scale, with a large religious fair taking place. The administration makes elaborate arrangements for security, sanitation, and crowd control to handle the massive influx of worshippers.
Brahmani and Bhaskar Chhath Ghats, Gaya
Gaya, a city of immense religious importance for Hindus and Buddhists, is also a key centre for Chhath Puja. The rituals are performed on the banks of the Phalgu River, with Brahmani Ghat and Bhaskar Chhath Ghat being among the most notable locations. Families flock to these ghats to perform the evening and morning Arghya, seeking blessings for their loved ones. The city's deep-rooted connection to spirituality adds a unique dimension to the celebrations here, with a focus on maintaining the sanctity and cleanliness of the sacred riverfront.
Ular and Badgaon Sun Temples, Nalanda
The ancient region of Nalanda is also historically connected with Sun worship, making it an important Chhath destination. The Ular Surya Mandir and Badgaon Surya Mandir, along with their associated water bodies, become hubs of intense devotion during the festival. Devotees from across the region gather here to follow the traditional rituals in a setting steeped in history. These sites are known for their strong local traditions and attract families looking for a spiritually charged atmosphere away from the larger city crowds.
Riverfront Ghats, Buxar
District administrations across Bihar are on high alert, and Buxar is no exception. The District Magistrate has been personally reviewing preparations at key Chhath ghats, bus stands, and railway stations to ensure everything is in order. This focus highlights the importance of districts beyond the capital in the statewide celebration. The administration's efforts include cleaning ghats, ensuring public safety, and managing crowds. This proactive approach ensures that devotees in Buxar can also observe the rigorous fasts and perform the sacred rituals safely and comfortably.
