Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: The banks of the Kuakhai River in Bhubaneswar witnessed a sea of devotees early Tuesday morning as thousands gathered to offer ‘Usha Arghya’ (morning oblation) to the rising sun, marking the conclusion of the four-day-long Chhath Puja festival.

Clad in traditional attire, devotees stood waist-deep in the river, offering prayers with fruits, sugarcane, and earthen lamps, seeking blessings for the well-being and prosperity of their families. The atmosphere was charged with devotion as folk songs echoed across the ghat and the first rays of the sun bathed the river in golden hues.

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) had made elaborate arrangements to ensure the safety and convenience of the devotees. Temporary ghats were constructed, and medical teams, police personnel, and volunteers were deployed to manage the crowd and maintain order.

Also read: Devotees Across Bihar Offer ‘Arghya’ To The Setting Sun On Third Day Of Chhath

Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and his consort Chhathi Maiya, is one of the most significant festivals for people from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, and has seen growing participation in Odisha in recent years.

Despite intermittent rains due to Cyclone Montha, the spirit of the devotees remained undeterred, with many arriving at the ghats as early as 3 a.m. to secure a spot for the sacred ritual.