Rourkela, Nov 9: Thousands of devotees gathered at 17 specially prepared ghats in Rourkela early Friday morning to mark the conclusion of Chhath, one of the most significant festivals in India. With prayers and offerings made to the rising sun, the event celebrated the completion of the four-day ritual observed by followers of the Sun God.
The atmosphere was charged with the sound of crackers and the music of late Sarada Sinha, a renowned Chhath singer who passed away on November 5. Her devotional songs filled the air, as devotees, braving the early morning chill, stood in the river to offer ‘arghya’ to the Sun.
Chhath is a festival marked by rigorous rituals, particularly observed by women for the welfare and prosperity of their families. Many participants shared personal stories of how the festival had brought them blessings. One devotee, Upasana Singh, shared, “I observed the fast for the health of my sick son, and after completing the vrat for two years, he has made a full recovery. I will continue this tradition every year.”