Kailali. On the occasion of Chhath festival, the Chhath Puja Sewa Samiti Dhangadhi has been organizing Chhath Puja on the bank of Mohana River in Kailali for the past 13 years.

Santosh Mandal, chairperson of the committee, said that around 260 worship rooms are being constructed in the beginning of the festival by constructing houses with five tents on the bank of Mohana River for the Chhath Puja. He said that in the beginning, only Rs 35,000 was spent on Chhath Puja, but now it costs Rs 15 lakh.

The committee has been conducting the puja every year by collecting money with the support of local level, industrialists, businessmen, various organizations and the general public. In the initial years, the place of worship used to be less crowded and deserted, but in the last few years, around one lakh devotees and devotees have been visiting the temple, according to the presidium.

“Earlier, this festival was mainly celebrated by the Mithila community, but lately other communities have also been celebrated,” he said, adding, “More than 300 families and people from other communities visit Mohana Chhathighat of Dhangadhi for worship. ’

Roshan Kumar Karna, vice-chairman of the committee, said that preparations have been made to clean the banks of Mohana River a month before the Chhath festival with the participation of locals. “In the past, other communities and locals here had little interest towards the festival”, he said, adding, “In the last few years, people from small children to elderly people have come to the festival site”. ’

During this festival, devotees observe a fast for the long life, happiness, peace and prosperity of their family members, to be protected from diseases and to have children. A total of 256 worship rooms have been constructed at Mohanaghat of Dhangadhi in preparation for the Chhath festival this year. Vice-chairperson Karna said that the puja halls have been decorated with tents, lamps, twinkling lamps, colorful garlands and songs.

An attractive entrance gate has been constructed for the devotees and visitors. Entrance gates have been constructed at the main places of Dhangadhi bazaar for welcoming guests. KATHMANDU: The works of painting, painting and decorating the idols of various gods and goddesses including the Sun Statue brought from the eastern part of Nepal have reached the final stage.

A large pandal has been constructed on the top of the Mohana riverbank. Separate arrangements have been made for the accommodation of the devotees, accommodation for the devotees and staying awake all night. Likewise, bhajans, singing and dancing, performances by national and international artists and cultural tableaux of various gods and goddesses have also been organized.

Devotees throng ponds, rivers, lakes and reservoirs on the occasion of Chhath festival, which is celebrated with devotion for family happiness, peace, prosperity, physical well-being, freedom from diseases and fulfillment of various wishes.