Bhopal Gears Up for Grand Chhath Puja: City Decked Up, Security Tightened at 52 Ghats

Bhopal readies for Chhath Puja celebrations

Bhopal is set to witness a surge of devotion on Monday as more than three lakh people gather across the city to mark the annual Chhath Puja, one of the most important festivals dedicated to the Sun God. The celebrations will unfold at 52 ghats—six of them major sites—where participants will offer arghya and perform traditional rituals at sunrise and sunset.

According to officials, nearly one lakh participants are expected to take ceremonial dips in lakes and ponds across the city, while several lakh others will attend rituals and cultural gatherings through the day.

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Extensive arrangements under ‘Mission Facilitation’

The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a citywide initiative, Mission Facilitation, to manage the large turnout and ensure smooth conduct of rituals. Commissioner Sanskriti Jain said that elaborate arrangements had been made at all 52 ghats, including six key venues—Sheetaldas ki Bagiya, Kamla Park, Vardhman Park, Khatlapura, Prempura, and Hathaikheda Dam.

Over 400 sanitation workers have been deployed in three shifts to maintain cleanliness, while more than 90 mobile toilets and 300 temporary changing rooms have been installed. Barricades have been erected to regulate crowd movement and prevent mishaps near water bodies.

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Drones and dedicated police teams for crowd management

For the first time, Bhopal Police will use drone surveillance to monitor crowd density and ensure real-time coordination among security personnel. Five dedicated monitoring teams have been formed, supported by 300 women officers to assist participants and maintain safety.

Police officials confirmed that five temporary control rooms have been established near major ghats to streamline communication and rapid response. “Our primary objective is to ensure a safe and peaceful environment throughout the festivities,” an official from the city police said.

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City illuminated for evening rituals

As evening prayers are central to the Chhath observance, the BMC has illuminated lakesides and ghats with over 600 streetlights, halogen lamps, and tube lights to enhance visibility. The lighting initiative also aims to prevent accidents and improve safety for families attending rituals after sunset.

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Emergency response and safety preparedness

Commissioner Sanskriti Jain emphasized that public safety remains the administration’s top priority. More than 500 police personnel have been stationed at critical points across the city, supported by a 60-member diving team and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) units on standby.

“These measures are part of a coordinated approach to safeguard participants and manage large gatherings efficiently,” Jain added.