The Bhojpuri Utsav Samiti Khatlapura brought Bhopal’s Chhath Puja celebrations to life at Khatlapura, the city’s oldest and most revered Chhath Ghat. Marking the end of the five-day Chhath festival, thousands of devotees gathered to offer Arghya (water offerings) to the rising sun, a central ritual symbolizing gratitude and reverence for Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God.
In addition to the religious observances, the Samiti organized a cultural program to deepen the spiritual ambiance. Renowned Bhojpuri artists, including singer Sonu Pandey and vocalist Ujala Vishwakarma, performed devotional songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya, captivating the audience with their soulful renditions. The Samiti acknowledged the contributions of these artists along with other talented community members, honoring them for their roles in promoting Bhojpuri cultural heritage.
The organizers made thoughtful arrangements to serve tea to devotees during Parana, the ceremonial breaking of the fast, which is an integral part of Chhath Puja.
The event saw the active participation of key figures from the Bhojpuri community in Bhopal. Rahul Dubey, President of the Bhojpuri Utsav Samiti, along with Secretary Pankaj Thakur, presided over the festivities. Other notable attendees included Rampratap Singh, Rajat Singh, Surendra Tyagi, Himanshu Pandey, Shatrughan Yadav, Santosh Singh, Chandrashekhar Pandey, Arun Rao, Keshav Rajput, Manoj Mehra, Neelu Singh, Annapurna Rai, and many others who contributed to the event’s success.
Sunrise Rituals and Traditional Offerings
Starting as early as 5 a.m., women dressed in traditional attire gathered at the city’s various ghats to offer Arghya to the rising sun, marking the final prayers of the Chhath festival. The ghats were beautifully decorated with sugarcane pavilions, creating a festive yet spiritual atmosphere. Against the backdrop of devotional songs and chants, the women offered their heartfelt prayers, seeking health, happiness, and prosperity for their families.
Women engage in Sindoor Play
Following the sunrise prayers, the women engaged in a playful ritual of applying sindoor (vermillion powder) to each other, symbolizing joy and unity. This vibrant custom added a light-hearted note to the day’s solemn rituals. The scene was further animated by children celebrating with firecrackers, filling the air with excitement and delight.
Traditional Bhojpuri songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya filled the surroundings, uniting the community in devotion. For hours, the women remained engaged in prayer, gratitude, and celebration, marking the conclusion of this year’s Chhath Puja with enthusiasm and reverence.
