Migrants, politicians, locals unite for Chhath Puja celebrations
Migrants, primarily from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, gathered this evening to perform Chhath Puja along the Chachoki distributary in Phagwara, offering 'arghya' to the setting sun. Thousands more participated in the ritual at the Sutlej River in Phillaur. To facilitate the celebrations, water was specially channelled into the dry distributary, which had been stagnant for years, overrun with shrubs, filth, and litter. It was reported that political leaders had requested irrigation officials to secure the flow of water in the canal, likely aiming to win the support of the migrant community, for whom Chhath is a significant festival.
A festive, mela-like atmosphere surrounded the Chachoki canal, with migrants bursting crackers, illuminating their homes, and organising langar (community meals). Youth volunteers took charge of traffic regulation on the busy GT road. Various political figures from different parties attended the celebrations, likely seeking to connect with their respective vote banks.
The festival also saw participation from local Punjabis, some out of curiosity, others driven by political motives. Some brought trolley-loads of radishes, while others gifted boxes of apples. A few Punjabi women also observed the Chhath fast, which is considered more rigorous than Karva Chauth, a similar fasting ritual in Punjab.
The Chhath Puja is a two-day fast during which participants, mostly married women, abstain from food and water. The fast is observed for the well-being of their children, especially sons. According to Kameshwar, Vijay Kumar, Ravi Kumar, and Anil Kumar, four siblings from Bihar, the festival is originally called "Ravi Khashti Vrata," a fast dedicated to the Sun God. They traced the origins of this ritual to the Mahabharata, claiming that even Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, observed it.
Prominent politicians, including former Union ministers Som Parkash and Vijay Sampla, Phagwara MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal, and AAP leaders Joginder Singh Maan and Harji Maan, addressed the crowd. The celebrations culminated with the offering of 'arghya' to the setting sun, followed by the 'kosi' ceremony at homes. On Friday, after offering 'arghya' to the rising sun, the fast would be broken, marking the end of the festival.
