Chhath preparation in Gaurighat (Photo feature)

Saroj Basnet

Kathmandu: Chhath used to be celebrated in the Terai region only. That was the scenario of the ritual of the Chhath celebration decades ago. But, nowadays, Chhath is celebrated on a grand scale even in mountainous cities including Kathmandu.

People worship the sun, as the incarnation of God in Hindu religion, during Chhath. On Kartik Shukla Shashti Chhath celebration starts after offering Argha to the setting sun.

According to the Chhath Puja Management Committee, the construction of ghat is in the final stage at Gaurighat. A total of 510 ghats would be constructed from Gaurighat to Guhyeshwari for Chhath Puja.

The committee has predicted the budget of 17-18 lakh rupees for the construction of the ghats. The committee said that the Pashupati Development Fund assisted 3 lakh rupees for building ghats. The fasting people have to pay Rs. 1500 per ghat for the worship.

Chhath is being celebrated in several areas of Nepal including the banks of Kamalpokhari, Gahana Pokhari, Nag Pokhari, Bagmati, and Bishnumati river.

(Glimpses of preparations from Gaurighat)