Bihar imposes firecracker ban, private boat restrictions ahead of Chhath

The Bihar government has announced sweeping restrictions ahead of the Chhath Puja festival to ensure public safety during the four-day celebration. The state's disaster management department has prohibited the sale and use of firecrackers and fireworks throughout the festival period, marking a significant enforcement measure in densely populated bathing areas.

In addition to the firecracker ban, authorities have imposed a comprehensive prohibition on the operation of private boats and vessels during Chhath festivities. The restriction aims to prevent accidents and maintain order at the numerous ghats along the Ganges and other water bodies where devotees traditionally gather for ritualistic bathing and worship.

To enforce these measures and manage large crowds expected at major bathing sites, the state has deployed security personnel and trained volunteers across key ghats. The coordinated effort reflects heightened focus on crowd management and water safety during the festival, which draws hundreds of thousands of devotees to riverbanks across Bihar.

The Chhath festival, celebrated primarily in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Jharkhand, involves ritualistic bathing and offerings to the sun deity. Bihar's administrative measures underscore growing emphasis on balancing religious observance with public safety protocols in the state's major festivals.