KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 15
Preparations have started for the Chhath festival in the districts of the Tarai Madhes province, including in Dhanusha, with the conclusion of Deepawali, the festival of lights. Various lakes and ponds in Janakpurdham are being decorated in a special way with the support of locals and local organizations in the run-up to the Chhath festival.
In this connection, the banks of the ponds, lakes, and rivers are being cleaned for the construction of the Chhath ghats.
The Chhath festival holds special significance in the Tarai Madhes, according to Dr. Rajendra Bimal. The Gangasagar Pond, Dhanush Sagar Pond, Argaja Pond, Maharasagar, Ratnasagar, Gordhoi, Aragajasar, Nocha Pokhari, Matkoraba Pokhari, Dudhmati Ghat, among the lakes and ponds, as well as the banks of the rivers, are being decorated in Janakpurdham, the historic city of Mithilanchal.
Crowds of shoppers can be seen in the market, busy buying articles and things required for the festival, as the number of people celebrating Chhath is increasing each year. Prameshwar Sah, a local of Janakpurdham, mentioned that the prices of goods required for the festival have increased this year compared to the past.
The Chhath festival proper falls on November 19 this year, but people observing the festival have to start the associated rituals three days ahead. Similarly, preparations for Chhath have started in Birgunj.
The ponds and lakes are being specially decorated to prepare the Chhath ghats for performing the various rituals and offerings associated with this festival.
The local Ghadiarba pond, Nagawapokhari, Chhapakaiya Pokhari, Shreepur, and Ranighat pond are being cleaned and decorated for the Chhath festival."