The premier festival of north India, Chhath Puja was celebrated in Dimapur, with participation of thousands of people from Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and other parts of north India.
A press release from the organisers stated that, Bengali, Nepalis and people from other Hindu community also celebrated the festival and observed fast. Devotees thronged the banks of Dhansiri River and elsewhere water sources and paid obeisance to the setting Sun on Saturday evening.
On Saturday, thousands of devotees reached the river bank carrying baskets of fruits, sweets and preparations made of whole wheat and prayed to the Sun God till sunset. Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj (NBS) had made elaborate arrangements at the banks of Dhansiri River near Urra village for the Chhath devotees. Members of the NBS had cleared the river banks for the last four days and made Ghats where the devotees would sit and pray and pay obeisance to the sun god.
NBS also made it sure that no untoward incident took place and sought the help of SDRF which had stationed its team at the venue. SDRF team with a boat moved around the river and cautioned people not to venture in the river water. Medical facilities and adequate security was also provided to the devotees. NBS also ensured that the Chhath festival is celebrated without the use of fire crackers and on Saturday, they banned the use of the same at the venue.
On Saturday, after paying obeisance to the setting sun, the devotees returned to their respective home to make preparation for the next day. Some devotees performed another ritual in their respective homes Saturday evening. Women fast continuously for 3 days and break their fast on the 3rd day after offering prayers to the rising sun.
The festival will end early Sunday morning when devotees would go back to the river banks and welcome the sun with folded hands. The devotees break the fast after the Sun rises.
Chhath Puja celebrations was observed in various parts of Dimapur where hundreds of devotes gathered and prayed to the Sun God. Chhath is the festival of truth, non-violence, forgiveness and compassion.