There is no shortage of local devotion for Chhath

VARANASI: A long conclave of Chhath devotees uttering traditional songs of the festivity in Bhojpuri while marching their ways to the prominent ghats along the banks of the holy Ganga on Friday afternoon not only symbolised the strong connection of the festivity with Bhojpuri belt in the region, but it also showed the increasing support and popularity that the festival had started to evoke in the region.
While a sea of devotees, including Chhath vratis (devotees observing fast), their family members and other people had thronged the ghats reminding of the huge gathering evident during Makar Sankranti, the massive participation of local people was also indicating that the city had started to come out of Bihar influence, finding its own ways of celebrating the arduous festivity that demands observation of fast for 36 hours besides adhering to stringent rituals for prosperity of the family.
Even as southern parts of the city including Samneghat, Nagwan and Asi witnessing strong presence of Bihari population turned into Mini-Bihar, the other parts of the city witnessing mixed population also came out in large number to celebrate the occasion. A long stretch of ghats from Rajghat (north) to Asi Ghat (south) remained cramped with Chhath devotees who pushed hard for offering Arghya (tribute with water and milk) to the setting sun on the banks of the holy Ganga.
"It is no longer a festival of Bihar or bordering districts of east UP region as locals and people from the neighbouring districts have also shown a commitment to celebrate the festival in recent years," said Kalyani, a housewife in Sigra area who started celebrating the festival five years back. Hailing from neighbouring Jaunpur district, she has not skipped any ritual including Nahay-Khai, Kharna or making thekuas (special sweet confectionery made from wheat flour and sugar) on brick oven, maintaining the sanctity of the festivity during these years.
Similarly, Malti, a local Chhath devotee from Chaubeypur region in the district, had not only learnt a number of Chhath geet (songs of Chhath in Bhojpuri) but also observed the festival from the core of heart ever since she was blessed with a son after long years of marriage in 2005. "There is a strong connection with the festivity and even family members ensure that it is celebrated in the true spirit," she said.
It may be mentioned here that besides Bihar, a number of bordering districts of east UP region including Ballia, Ghazipur, Deoria and Chandauli have been traditionally known for Chhath festivities. The natives of these regions migrating to other cities in the country have popularised the festival.
Apart from prominent ghats, other sacred kunds and water bodies including Surya Sarovar (DLW), Shashtri Ghat on the banks of the Varuna also witnessed strong presence of Chhath devotees who came from different parts of the city.