In Janakpur, the banks of local ponds have been adorned with Chhath offerings since early Thursday morning. Devotees have set up sacred items in preparation for the evening’s prayer rituals.

The banks are lined with traditional offerings, including thakuwa, bananas, bhuswa, khajuriya, sugarcane, sweets, coconuts, and ginger. These offerings are placed on the pond banks from the morning, to be offered to the setting sun in the evening ritual.

Ponds like Gangasagar, Dhanushasagar, Argaja, and Dasharath Talau in Janakpur are covered with offerings as they host Chhath festivities. Wooden platforms have been set up along the banks, with the ponds decorated with pavilions and electric lights.

Today marks the main day of Chhath. In the evening, devotees will offer their first arghya (offering) to the setting sun, known locally as ‘Sajhiya Ghat’. This ritual will continue early Friday morning, with a final arghya offered to the rising sun on the Saptami day, marking the conclusion of Chhath in the Mithila region.

Here are some photos of the ponds adorned with offerings captured through the lenses of the Post’s photojournalist Hemanta Shrestha.