Janakpur: With the completion of the Deepawali festival, preparations have begun for celebrating the Chhath festival in Janakpurdham. As the festival approaches, ponds and lakes across the city are being cleaned and decorated. The cleaning of several ponds has already been completed.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Chhath, a festival dedicated to the Sun God, is traditionally observed with special rituals in the Terai region, including Janakpur, by the Hindu community. In recent years, the celebrations have gradually expanded to other regions as well.
Markets in the town are bustling with visitors buying essential items for the festival. Dr. Bhogendra Jha, former Vice Chair of the Province Policy and Planning Commission, Madhesh Province, notes that sacred water sources such as Gangasagar, Dhanushsagar, Aragaja Maharasagar, Ratnasagar, Gordhoi, Dasarath Pond, Nocha Pond, Matkoraba Pond, and Dudhamatighat are being cleaned with enthusiastic participation from locals.
This year, the Chhath festival begins on Monday, October 27, and will be observed over four days.