Four days of faith and festivity: Hyderabad gears up for Chhath Puja from October 25-28

From the banks of Hussain Sagar to smaller ponds in Kukatpally and Miyapur, the spirit of Chhath Puja is all set to bring together thousands of devotees in Hyderabad this year as well.  While Deepavali marks the culmination of major festivals across most parts of India, the celebrations continue in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of West Bengal with Chhath Puja. The festival has also found a strong following in cities beyond these States, including Hyderabad, where the Bihari community has kept the tradition alive. This year, the four-day festival will be celebrated from October 25 to 28.

What is Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and his consort Ushas, the first light of dawn, as devotees express gratitude for sustaining life on earth. The word ‘Chhath’ means sixth, referring to its observance on the sixth day after Deepavali. The rituals of Chhath Puja are marked by offering prayers to both the setting and rising sun.

Two decades of celebrations in Hyderabad

In Hyderabad, the celebration of Chhath Puja has grown steadily over the past two decades. Two organisations, Jan Seva Sangh, led by former Director-General of Prisons Vinoy Kumar Singh, and the Bihar Association Hyderabad, headed by president Hareram Singh, coordinate with the Telangana government each year to ensure arrangements at puja sites.

Arrangements across the city

Following directions from the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) Department, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has granted permission for Chhath Puja to be held at 29 locations this year. The civic body has instructed its zonal officers to clean the sites and provide electricity, lighting, footsteps, stages, pandals, and security arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the rituals from October 26 to 28.

Four days of rituals

The festival unfolds over four days. On the first day, known asNahay Khay (Bath and Eat), devotees take a holy dip in a river or pond, symbolising purification of the body and soul. They then prepare a satvik meal, which typically consists of rice, dal, and pumpkin.

The second day, called Kharna, involves a day-long fast without even a sip of water. Devotees break the fast only after sunset, with offerings of gur ka kheer, a sweet dish made of jaggery and rice, alongside fruits.

On the third day, Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings), the fast continues as devotees gather near rivers or ponds to offer prayers to the setting sun. Standing waist-deep in water, they make offerings (arghya) of fruits, sugarcane, and thekua, a traditional sweet made of wheat flour and jaggery.

The fourth and final day, Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings), is dedicated to worshipping the rising sun at dawn. This act symbolises hope, renewal, and the continuity of life.

Rush at railway stations

Meanwhile, trains heading to Bihar have been witnessing heavy rush at railway stations across Hyderabad. On Wednesday, The Hindu reporter observed large crowds at Secunderabad Railway Station, particularly around Train No. 12791, the Secunderabad–Danapur Express.

The train, scheduled to depart at 9.25 a.m., arrived on Platform No. 8 at around 8.40 a.m. As soon as it halted, passengers without reservations, who purchased the general ticket for around ₹450, rushed towards the general coaches, known as Deen Dayalu coaches. Anticipating the rush, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel were deployed on the platform to maintain order. A queue was formed outside the coaches, with RPF officials allowing passengers to board in a controlled manner to avoid any scuffles.

33-hour journey

With over 300 passengers packed into each general coach, far exceeding its seating capacity of 100, many stood near the door for the 33-hour long journey home.

Among them was Ramesh Kumar, a restaurant waiter travelling to Saharsa. Standing near the coach door, he said, “I tried booking tickets a month in advance, but everything was on the waiting list. Instead of paying a fine for travelling without a confirmed seat, I chose the general coach. It will be very difficult to manage the journey, but I am willing to do it to reach my wife and children.”