Devotees throng markets as Chhath Puja begins today

Chhath Puja celebrations began today and will continue until November 8. The festival, popular among communities from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, is unique in that it involves worshipping both the rising and setting sun. With a large migrant population from UP and Bihar in Punjab, the celebration of Chhath Puja has become an elaborate and visible event in the state.

Devotees typically perform the puja near canals or rivers. In Punjab, particularly in Phagwara, more than 45,000 migrants participate, while the number of devotees in Phillaur and Ludhiana is even higher.

However, when The Tribune visited several canals near Phagwara, Hadiabad, and Nakodar, they found the water in poor condition—dry, dirty, and foul-smelling due to garbage dumped by locals. Manju, a Bihari migrant, said, "You can’t even stand near the canal in Phagwara because of the terrible smell."

Despite repeated announcements from the state government to clear illegal encroachments from irrigation land and canals, little progress appears to have been made.

When contacted, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Jashanjit Singh assured that arrangements had been made for canal cleanliness and the release of water well in advance of the festival. Temporary water supply arrangements were also made by the Chhath Puja Sewa Samiti, who installed a submersible pump to fill the canal.

The origins of Chhath Puja trace back to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the sun is revered as a symbol of fertility and prosperity. The festival has spread to other states, including Punjab, largely due to the migrant labor force. Women perform the puja to seek blessings for the well-being of their families.

Phagwara's Superintendent of Police, Gurpreet Singh Gill, said that the police had made extensive security arrangements for the festival. A team led by DSP Bharat Bhushan, traffic in-charge Aman Kumar Deweshwar, SHO (City) Amandeep Nahar, and SHO Balwinder Singh Bhullar will monitor the festivities.