Kathmandu: The Bagmati River Basin Improvement Project under the High-Powered Committee for Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilisation has released water from the Dhap Dam into the Bagmati River in view of the Chhath Festival, which will be mainly observed on Monday. The move aims to increase the water flow in the river to facilitate devotees in performing rituals that warrant holy dips.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Committee’s Information Officer, Uddhav Nepal, stated that it takes around 14 hours for the water released from the Dhap Dam to reach the Pashupatinath area. Water from the dam is released into the river on special occasions. This time, the Committee will release water at a rate of 400 litres per second for two days, with the water level expected to reach approximately knee-high for an average adult.
The Chhath Festival holds special significance for Hindu devotees from the Terai/Madhesh region. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and his consort Chhathi Maiya, observed by worshipping the Sun and praying for family welfare and prosperity. Initially celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Mithila region of Nepal, the festival has expanded across the country in recent years, including the federal capital, Kathmandu. Water bodies are a major part of the festival celebration, where devotees observing fast take dips.