Local efforts give riverbanks festive makeover

Rivers and ponds across Jhapa, including the Mechi, Kankai Mai, and Biring, have been prepared for the Chhath festival through extensive community labor. Devotees from Nepal and India are expected to gather at these sites, with major celebrations planned at the Biring River in Kankai Municipality, where the Chhath Samaj Sewa Samiti has constructed 190 worship platforms.

Chairperson Sangeeta Rauniyar confirmed that subcommittees have been formed to manage the event, which will feature an overnight vigil, cultural performances, and Ganga Aarti. Similar arrangements are underway at the Mechi River in Bhadrapur, according to Mayor Ganesh Pokharel.

The festival rituals involve offering prayers to the setting sun on Sunday evening, followed by the final arghya to the rising sun on Monday morning, marking the conclusion of the multi-day celebration.