Varanasi devotees reserve Chhath ghats by writing government job titles

As Chhath Puja preparations intensify across northern India, devotees at Varanasi's Shastri Ghat have resorted to an unconventional space-booking method. Rather than using traditional markers or arriving early, worshippers are reserving prime viewing and ritual spots by writing their names combined with government job titles and departmental affiliations on the ghats.

Visitors to the sacred site have observed inscriptions listing positions such as police constable, income tax inspector, and various other civil service roles alongside individual names. The practice appears to be an attempt by worshippers—many of whom may work in government services—to claim desirable locations for the four-day festival without physical presence throughout the day.

The Chhath festival, celebrated predominantly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Jharkhand, draws massive crowds to riverbanks for ritual bathing and worship. Varanasi's ghats become particularly crowded during the festivities, prompting locals and regular devotees to seek creative solutions for securing space.

Local authorities have not issued official statements regarding the practice, which highlights the logistical challenges posed by the festival's surging popularity. The unconventional reservation method underscores the pressure on limited ghat space as pilgrim numbers continue to grow year after year.