Bihar restricts firecrackers, private boats during Chhath festival

Authorities in Bihar have rolled out comprehensive safety measures ahead of Chhath Puja, one of the region's most significant festivals celebrated from November 13 to 16. The Disaster Management Department has directed district administrations to enforce strict protocols to ensure public safety during the festivities, which see large congregations at water bodies.

Firecrackers have been prohibited in areas surrounding ghats, the steps leading down to rivers where devotees gather to perform rituals. The restriction aims to prevent accidents and maintain order at crowded riverbank locations that witness peak attendance during the festival's concluding phases.

Private boat operations have also come under regulation to minimize risks associated with water-based activities during the celebration. Authorities plan to deploy personnel across major ghats to monitor compliance with the new directives and manage crowd flow effectively.

Chhath, a Hindu festival dedicated to the sun god Surya, traditionally involves ritual bathing and offerings at river ghats. The festival draws large numbers of devotees to water bodies across Bihar, with previous years witnessing congestion and safety concerns at popular gathering points. State officials indicated that the measures were designed to protect pilgrims while allowing normal religious observances to proceed.