Minister Sarang takes stock of Chhath Pooja preparations in Bhopal:Directs officials to ensure hygiene, lighting at religious sites; performs cow worship

Madhya Pradesh’s Minister for Cooperation, Sports and Youth Welfare, Vishvas Kailash Sarang on Wednesday took stock of the preparations for the upcoming Chhath Pooja at various Surya Kunds (sun ponds) in Bhopal. He reviewed arrangements at Anna Nagar Branch Ground, Subhash Nagar Durga Mandir, Ekta Puri Park, Rajendra Nagar, Karond, and Sanjeev Nagar, which fall within his Narela Assembly constituency. Minister Sarang issues instructions to officials During the inspection, the Minister instructed officials to maintain cleanliness, hygiene, pure water, adequate lighting, and security at all ponds and ghats. He emphasised that all necessary facilities for devotees, particularly women observing the Chhath fast, must be available smoothly and the arrangements should remain fully organised. Senior officers of the district administration, Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), police department, local representatives, and residents accompanied the Minister during the inspection. Chhath Pooja to be celebrated with grandeur: Minister Minister Sarang said during the inspection that Chhath Pooja is celebrated in Bhopal with great enthusiasm and devotion each year. To accommodate the large number of devotees, new Surya Kunds have been constructed and existing ghats expanded. He added that ensuring the comfort and safety of devotees remains a top priority, and preparations are being completed for a grand celebration at all venues. Temporary changing rooms, toilets to be laid for women Highlighting special arrangements for women, Minister Sarang announced that temporary changing rooms will be set up near the ghats. He added that the BMC will also deploy mobile toilets. Furthermore, he said cleaning and repair work at all ponds is being expedited to prevent any inconvenience to devotees. Significance of Surya Kunds and Bhojpuri Community’s devotion Notably, the Narela Assembly area, home to a large Bhojpuri-speaking community, celebrates Chhath Puja with deep faith and joy. Surya Kunds have been constructed at several locations where women devotees offer Arghya (water offerings) to the Sun God with devotion and complete their vows. Cow worship performed on Govardhan Puja On the occasion of Govardhan Pooja, Minister Sarang performed ritual worship of Lord Govardhan and offered fodder to cows at Anna Nagar Gaushala. He said that in Sanatan Dharma, cows hold a sacred position, symbolising health, prosperity, and sustenance. The Minister added that cow protection is not only a religious duty but also a social necessity, and urged citizens to integrate cow care into their daily lives.