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While Chhath Puja is widely celebrated across north and east India, did you know there are certain places where the festival has been banned?
During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, Chhath Puja was banned in many public places. (News18 Hindi)
In Hindu religion, Chhath is not merely a puja, but holds the revered status of a mahaparv, or a great festival. Though observed twice a year, the Chhath Puja of the Kartik month is considered particularly significant.
Each year, this four-day-long festival begins on the fourth day of Diwali, this time commencing on November 5, with the first day being known as Nahay-Khay. The next day is Kharna, followed by the first evening arghya, and concluding with the arghya offered to the rising sun on the fourth day.
Devotees in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Delhi, and West Bengal observe this festival, worshipping the sun god and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. While Chhath Puja is celebrated widely across India and even globally, some locations in India have placed restrictions on public observance for various reasons.
Here are some places where Chhath Puja has been restricted:
- Panchkula, Haryana (2020): During the Covid-19 pandemic, all public gatherings, including those for Chhath Puja, were restricted. Devotees were allowed to offer arghya on their rooftops to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Delhi (2020 and 2021): Chhath Puja gatherings were banned in the national capital in 2020 and 2021 by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). This decision was taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. People were appealed to perform Chhath at home only and not gather in public places.
- Ara, Bihar (2024): This year, Chhath has been banned at three ghats in Ara, Bihar, due to the hazardous condition of these ghats. The ghats are deep and swampy at this time of year, posing a safety risk. Considering public safety, authorities have prohibited celebrations in these areas.
