Chhath Puja, one of Bihar’s biggest festivals, is a time for respect, faith, and joy. It honors Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, showing thanks to nature for supporting life. If you’re thinking about visiting Bihar during Chhath Puja 2024. Explore beautiful spots in Bihar where you can fully enjoy the Chhath Puja celebrations and experience the state’s rich culture.
Rajgir: Venu Vana
Rajgir, an old city important to both Buddhism and Jainism, celebrates Chhath Puja with a peaceful and respectful atmosphere. One of the most peaceful places for the rituals is Venu Vana, a quiet bamboo grove that was once given to Lord Buddha. This beautiful setting provides a perfect background for devotees to perform their Chhath rituals, surrounded by nature’s beauty and calmness, ideal for reflection during the festival.
Besides the celebrations, Rajgir has several interesting places to visit. The Rajgir Hot Springs are healing springs that have attracted visitors for centuries, known for their therapeutic properties. The Vishwa Shanti Stupa, located on top of a hill, stands as a symbol of peace and spirituality. Additionally, the Nalanda University Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, display the remains of one of the most famous ancient universities in the world. Together, these sites make Rajgir a fascinating destination that beautifully combines spirituality with historical importance.
Hajipur: Konhara Ghat
Hajipur, located just across the river from Patna, is famous for its grand Chhath Puja festivities. A major location for this festival is the Konhara Ghat, where locals come together to offer Arghya to the setting and rising Sun. During the festival, this ghat becomes a lively place filled with devotion and spirituality. Hajipur’s close location to Patna makes it convenient for travelers to visit and join the celebrations. Besides the festivities, there are several interesting places to explore in Hajipur. Vaishali, known as the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, is an important Buddhist site that attracts many visitors. Another notable landmark is the Baba Garibnath Temple, a well-known temple that welcomes thousands of devotees all year round. These sites together make Hajipur an intriguing destination, combining rich culture with spiritual experiences.
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Buxar: Ramrekha Ghat
Buxar is a town with a lot of history and is well-known for its Chhath Puja celebrations. The Ramrekha Ghat, which is by the Ganges River, is very important because people believe Lord Rama came here during his time away from home. This place is calm and perfect for feeling the spiritual side of Chhath Puja. Besides the celebrations, Buxar has many interesting places to visit. The Buxar Fort is a historic spot related to Indian stories, giving visitors a look at the area’s past. Also, Katkauli Ka Maidan is historically significant because it was the site of battles in Buxar. All these places make Buxar a great destination that mixes spirituality and history nicely.
Muzaffarpur: Bagmati Riverbank
Muzaffarpur is a vibrant hub for Chhath Puja festivities, with the Bagmati River being a holy place for worshippers. During the festival, the riverbanks are lined with thousands of diyas (clay lamps), creating a magical ambiance that draws visitors from far and wide. In addition to the festive events, Muzaffarpur has much to offer. The region is famous for its litchi orchards, which grow some of the sweetest litchis, making it a delight for fruit enthusiasts to explore these lush orchards. Another notable site is the Garibnath Temple, a revered Shiva temple that attracts many pilgrims seeking blessings. Together, these attractions make Muzaffarpur a delightful place that harmoniously blends spirituality with local traditions.
Bhagalpur: Vikramshila Setu
Bhagalpur, known as the “Silk City,” is full of lively Chhath Puja festivities. One of the city’s most impressive sights is the Vikramshila Setu, a long bridge that crosses the Ganges River. This bridge offers stunning views at sunrise and sunset and is a great place to see the locals’ deep devotion during Chhath Puja rituals. Besides the celebrations, Bhagalpur has many interesting places to visit. The Vikramshila University Ruins are a reminder of a once-great Buddhist learning center, giving visitors a look at the area’s rich history. The Kuppaghat Ashram, by the Ganges River, provides a quiet place for those seeking peace. Nearby, Sultanganj is a holy town with beautiful riverbanks, perfect for those wanting to experience spirituality. These places together make Bhagalpur a special mix of culture, spirituality, and history.
Munger: Kali Pahadi
Munger, located by the Ganga River, is a key place for celebrating Chhath Puja. The lovely Kali Pahadi (Kali Hill) becomes even more magical as people come together to do rituals by the Ganges. The hill provides a beautiful view, making it a peaceful place for prayers and thinking during this special time. Besides the spiritual events, Munger has many interesting places to visit. The Munger Fort, an old historical site from ancient India, gives us a look at the area’s rich history and unique buildings. Also, the Bihar School of Yoga, famous around the world, brings visitors from everywhere who want to learn and practice yoga in this calm place. All these places make Munger a special mix of spirituality and culture, inviting people to enjoy its beauty and history.
Gaya: Vishnupad Temple
Gaya is a significant religious spot, particularly for Hindus who visit to perform “pind daan” rituals for their ancestors. During the Chhath Puja festival, the city is adorned with decorations and prayers, with the Vishnupad Temple being a major religious site. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to have his footprint, making it special for worshippers. In addition to the spiritual atmosphere at Vishnupad Temple, Gaya offers many other attractions. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, marks the place where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment and draws many pilgrims and tourists. The Dungeshwari Cave Temples are another important Buddhist site that highlights the area’s spiritual history. Moreover, the nearby Falgu River provides serene views and a tranquil environment, perfect for reflection and spiritual connection. Together, these places make Gaya a great destination for both religious activities and cultural exploration.
Patna: Gandhi Ghat
Patna, the capital city of Bihar, is the main location for Chhath Puja, a festival that honors the Sun God, Surya. During this festival, many people come together at Gandhi Ghat, which is near the sacred Ganges River, to perform a special ritual called Arghya. This ritual involves offering gifts to the sun as it rises or sets. Seeing thousands of people in the water, singing songs and prayers as the sun moves, is both beautiful and spiritually inspiring.
Besides the Chhath Puja celebrations, Patna has many interesting places to visit. One of these is Golghar, an old granary built in the early 1800s. From Golghar, you can get a great view of the city and the river, making it a perfect spot for taking photos. Another important place is Patna Sahib, a holy site for Sikhs that marks the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. This place is very important for anyone interested in the religious history of the area. Additionally, the Patna Museum has a wide collection of artifacts and art that show the history and culture of the region.
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