Even in the past some devotees would offer puja at home, but their number were few. This time they were forced to do so, thanks to the lackadaisical approach of the Patna district administration which failed to get the ghats cleaned.

Like those living outside India the residents of Patna were made to made artificial ponds with Ganja jal in their homes. They would even make use of big utensils in place of ghats.

The devotees offered arghya from her terrace by standing on a copper vessel filled with Ganga water. At least five devotees can be accommodated in it.

As going to the ghats has become a big problem this year the devotees, mostly women, have been left with no option. With crowd rushing to the remaining safe ghats there is always fear of stampede and accident. Though many ardents devotees would still love to crawl to Ganga others prefer home––or have been forced to do so by circumstances.

Another important feature of Chhath is that this year the former chief minister Rabri Devi is not observing the ritual in Patna but doing so in Delhi. Chhath in Lalu Yadav’s house always used to attract people in a large number. Even his political opponents, nediapersons and common people would make a point to visit his or his wife’s official residence every year.

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