With Chhath Puja set to begin, Bihar's administration is in full swing, preparing for one of the state's most significant festivals. This year, specific ghats in Patna are under the microscope for both safety concerns and upgraded facilities.
An Overview of the Preparations
Chhath Puja,
a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God, will be observed from November 13 to November 16, 2026. The main rituals, Sandhya Arghya (evening offerings) and Usha Arghya (morning offerings), will occur on November 15 and 16, drawing millions of devotees to water bodies. In Patna alone, the district administration has been inspecting the 103 ghats along the Ganga. Following reviews by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, officials have been working tirelessly to ensure cleanliness, lighting, strong barricading, and clear approach roads for the safety and convenience of worshippers. This massive undertaking includes deploying SDRF and NDRF teams, setting up medical camps, and installing watchtowers.
Spotlight on Safety: 'Dangerous' Ghats
A key focus of the administration's recent announcements has been public safety. While the headline mentions eight ghats being spotlighted, recent official statements have identified a larger number as hazardous. As of November 10, officials have declared 13 ghats in Patna as 'dangerous' or unsuitable for performing rituals due to issues like severe erosion, deep water levels, or marshy ground. While a definitive list for November's festival often comes out closer to the date, a list from the Chaiti Chhath festival earlier in the year provides a strong indication of which areas are prone to being restricted. Devotees are strongly urged to avoid these marked ghats and use only officially designated safe zones.
1. LCT Ghat
LCT Ghat has been frequently cited as a 'dangerous' location in past assessments, including during Chaiti Chhath in March 2026. The primary concerns here are often related to the river's depth and strong currents, making it unsafe for devotees to enter the water. The administration typically seals off such ghats with red flags and barricades to prevent accidents.
2. Rajapur Pul Ghat
Similar to LCT Ghat, Rajapur Pul Ghat was also declared unsafe earlier this year. The structural integrity of the riverbank and unpredictable water flow are major risk factors. Authorities are focusing on diverting crowds from such high-risk zones to ghats that have been properly prepared and secured.
