Chhath Puja preparations in Ahmedabad have expanded this year with a second temporary ghat at the Sabarmati riverbank near Indira Bridge, as devotees prepare to offer arghya to the setting sun on November 15. The arrangements include additional पूजा space, cleaning, lighting, decoration, overnight facilities and food for people staying at the site.
The Indira Bridge riverfront has emerged as Ahmedabad’s main Chhath Puja venue, particularly for residents from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar who live in the city for work. Organisers said the additional ghat has been created to reduce crowding and make it easier for devotees to perform the rituals. The report also said that civic and administrative authorities have extended support for the arrangements.
The four-day festival began on November 13 with Nahay Khay. Devotees observed Kharna on November 14, after which many begin an approximately 36-hour waterless fast. The main evening ritual will take place on November 15, when devotees will stand at the water’s edge and offer prayers to the setting sun. The festival will conclude on November 16 after the morning offering to the rising sun.
At the Ahmedabad venue, separate arrangements have been made for the ghats, including special cleaning, illumination, decoration and a stage for the corporation and administration. Devotees travelling from distant parts of the city are expected to remain at the Indira Bridge site overnight, while families living nearby may return in the morning for the final ritual. The organisers said sleeping arrangements and food would be provided for those staying through the night.
Mahadevbhai Jha, president of the Chhath Puja committee, said the new ghat would address difficulties faced by devotees in earlier years. He said the committee had arranged khichdi, kadhi and vegetables for about 5,000 people, along with facilities for overnight stays. His statement was reported by Divya Bhaskar.
The festival is also being organised at artificial ghats in Ahmedabad neighbourhoods including Amraiwadi, Saraspur, Meghaninagar and Hatkeshwar. These smaller sites allow local families to participate without travelling to the Sabarmati riverfront, while the Indira Bridge venue is expected to draw people from farther parts of the city.
In Surat, Chhath Puja programmes have been planned at 22 locations. The report said between 100,000 and 125,000 devotees are expected to observe the fast in the city. At a ghat behind Ambaji Temple, organisers have arranged filled-water facilities so devotees do not have to enter the river directly. Parking, prasad distribution, free lemon water and tea have also been planned.
Security arrangements at the Surat venue are expected to include 60 to 70 trust workers, 30 to 40 women security personnel and 100 police personnel from Umra police station. In Vadodara, the Hindi Vikas Manch has organised a programme beside the Mahisagar river at Fajalpur, continuing a tradition reported to have run for 28 years. The site has been prepared for more than 500 devotees at a time, with additional arrangements for worship and cultural performances.
The next major public gathering at the Ahmedabad venue will take place on November 15 evening, followed by the final morning offering at sunrise on November 16.
