Hyderabad was awash in a spiritual glow on Monday as hundreds of thousands of devotees came together to celebrate Chhath Puja. The air resonated with the soul-stirring voice of Sharda Sinha, affectionately known as the ‘Nightingale of Bihar,’ her devotional songs drifting across Hussainsagar Lake and other sacred sites throughout the city.
This cherished four-day festival, observed by natives of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of West Bengal now residing in Hyderabad, is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the Sun God (Surya) and his divine consort, Ushas – the dawn’s first light – for sustaining all life on Earth.
Monday marked the festival’s third and most significant day, dedicated to the observance of Sandhya Arghya, or evening offerings. Devotees immersed themselves waist-deep in water, presenting an array of offerings including fresh fruits, vibrant sugarcane, and thekua, a traditional sweet crafted from wheat flour and jaggery, to the fading light of the setting sun. The day-long fast culminated in these serene family gatherings along rivers, ponds, and lakes, underscored by a chorus of devotional Bhojpuri and Maithili hymns.
Rakesh Jha, a 47-year-old resident of Nacharam, shared his experience: “Our preparations begin early, sourcing specific items crucial for the festival, like whole sugarcane stalks with their green leaves, and ginger and turmeric roots. Certain city markets are specially geared up for this day, anticipating the large influx of Chhath devotees.”
To ensure smooth and respectful celebrations, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) designated 29 locations across the city, making extensive arrangements for the massive turnout. Vinoy Kumar Singh, former Director General of Prisons and a prominent member of Jan Seva Sangh, which represents the Bihari community in Hyderabad, stated, “We estimated between 75,000 to 100,000 people would gather at the various ghats.”
Organizers emphasized the sanctity of the festival, urging devotees and cultural groups to refrain from playing inappropriate film music or vulgar songs during the sacred rituals. “Chhath Puja is a profoundly holy occasion. Only devotional Bhojpuri or Maithili songs specifically related to Chhath should be played at the ghats,” Mr. Singh reiterated.
In an effort to minimize environmental impact and maintain the solemnity of the event, ‘No Crackers Please’ banners were prominently displayed at numerous ghats, discouraging the use of firecrackers. Violators faced a ₹1,000 penalty.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, families returned home, preparing for the festival’s climactic fourth and final day. Tuesday morning will see them reassemble for Usha Arghya, the morning offerings dedicated to the rising sun – a powerful ritual symbolizing hope, fresh beginnings, and the eternal cycle of life.