Hyderabad : Preparations for Chhath, the revered festival of folk faith, are in full swing at the Baby Pond in Sanjeevaiah Park, along the banks of Hussain Sagar in Hyderabad. The pond has been thoroughly cleaned, and all sides of the cemented ghats have received a fresh coat of paint. As of today, work has commenced to fill the pond with clean water. For years, Bihar Samaj Seva Sangh has organized Chhath Puja here, honoring traditional rituals on a grand scale.
After inspecting the Baby Pond, Raju Ojha, the National Chairman of Bihar Samaj Seva Sangh, informed journalists that, following the Sangh’s initiative, the Telangana government has officially designated this pond for the Chhath festival. The rituals will begin with Nahai-Khai on November 5, followed by Kharna on November 6, when devotees commence a 48-hour waterless fast. On the third day, November 7, devotees will offer Arghya to the setting sun, and on November 8, they will conclude their fast by offering Arghya to the rising Lord Bhaskar.
Raju Ojha noted that Bihar Samaj Seva Sangh is also arranging other essential facilities for the devotees observing the four-day fast. Sugarcane, raw turmeric, and ginger will be provided free of cost at the Baby Pond Chhath Ghat, located near Herbal Garden. Additionally, the Sangh will supply hot water and tea on the morning of November 8 and has made special arrangements for female devotees to change clothes.
Ojha also mentioned that Hyderabad Bihar Agrawal Sangh is contributing to make this year’s event exceptionally grand. The festival at Baby Pond will showcase the unique cultural essence of Purvanchal, including Bihar and Jharkhand, where devotees and their families will immerse themselves in traditional cuisine and folk music while offering Arghya to Lord Surya. The event will feature performances by renowned singers from Prayagraj, the Tiwari brothers (Sujit and Manjit Tiwari), as well as Hyderabad’s popular artists, Pawan Pandey and Shyam Shukla, with their respective troupes. Ojha expressed hope that this year’s Chhath Puja at Baby Pond will set new records in terms of spiritual ambiance and magnificence, as all members and officers of Bihar Samaj Seva Sangh and Bihar Agrawal Sangh dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to this effort.
