Patna: With massive crowds expected at Chhath ghats on Nov 15 and 16, many families in Danapur, Khagaul and Anisabad have opted to perform the festival rituals from apartment rooftops and within their housing complexes, citing safety, convenience and easier access for the elderly and children.“Performing the rituals at home will help us avoid overcrowded ghats, traffic congestion and the difficulties associated with travelling with family members during the festival,” said Sudha Devi of Danapur.For many residents of multi-storey apartment buildings, rooftops have emerged as a convenient alternative. Families have created small water bodies and artificial ponds where devotees can stand and offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun. “These arrangements allow us to observe the rituals without having to travel to crowded ghats,” said Archana Ray of Danapur.Elderly family members are expected to benefit the most from the arrangement. “Many senior citizens find it difficult to walk long distances, navigate crowded roads and carry puja materials to the riverbanks. Performing Chhath at home enables them to observe the rituals comfortably and without physical strain,” said Pradeep Priyadarshi, a social activist from Khagaul.He added that parents are equally concerned about the safety of children, particularly during the evening and morning arghya when thousands of devotees gather at the ghats. “Home-based arrangements provide a safer environment for children who would otherwise have to negotiate crowded pathways and congested bathing areas,” he said.Meanwhile, preparations have gathered pace at several households where Chhath will be observed. Whitewashing, painting and cleaning activities have been done, while families are busy arranging temporary water bodies, puja spaces and other essential facilities.“The growing preference for rooftop and in-house arrangements reflects how urban families are adapting traditional celebrations to changing residential conditions and the increasing crowds at public ghats,” said Ashutosh Sinha of Saket Vihar, Anisabad.
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