Bihar bans firecrackers and private boats near ghats during Chhath Puja

Bihar's Disaster Management Department has told all districts to enforce strict safety steps for Chhath Puja. The four-day festival runs from November 13 to 16, and the rules apply throughout.

By Kumar Ujjwal · 10 November 2026, 10:02 AM IST · 2 min read

The Bihar government has banned firecrackers near ghats during Chhath Puja.

It has also banned private boat operations on the river during the festival.

The Bihar Disaster Management Department issued a statement on Monday.

It has asked all districts to enforce strict safety measures for the four-day festival, from November 13 to 16.

Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

It is observed on the sixth day of the Hindu month of Kartik, six days after Diwali.

Devotees pray for the well-being and prosperity of their families.

Key points

Firecrackers are banned near ghats, and private boats cannot operate during the festival.
Districts must mark dangerous ghats, and deploy security staff and volunteers.
Divers, swimmers, motorboats and medical teams must be ready at river ghats.
The festival runs from November 13 to 16.

What safety steps are required at the ghats?

District magistrates have been asked to identify dangerous ghats and put up barricades there.

They must also deploy enough security staff and volunteers.

Trained divers, swimmers and motorboats must be stationed at river ghats. Life-saving equipment must be there too.

Medical teams and ambulances must stay on standby. Quick Medical Response Teams, or QMRTs, must also be ready.

Chhath Puja safety steps at ghats in Bihar

1
Barricade dangerous ghatsDistrict magistrates must identify dangerous ghats and put up barricades there.
2
Deploy security staff and volunteersEnough security staff and volunteers must be posted at the ghats.
3
Station divers and rescue boatsTrained divers, swimmers and motorboats must be stationed at river ghats, with life-saving equipment.
4
Keep medical teams on standbyMedical teams, ambulances and QMRTs must stay ready for emergencies.
5
Check electrical installationsAll electrical installations must be checked in advance to prevent electrocution.
6
Hold meetings with Chhath committeesDistricts must hold coordination meetings with Chhath committees and prepare communication plans.

Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report

How will crowds and electricity be handled?

The directives call for good lighting at ghats and approach roads. District control rooms must work round the clock.

Loudspeakers will be used for continuous public announcements.

All electrical installations must be checked in advance to prevent electrocution.

To prevent panic and stampedes, districts must prepare disaster management and communication plans.

They must also hold coordination meetings with Chhath committees.

What happens next during the festival?

The festival begins on November 13 with the Nahai Khai ritual. It ends on November 16.

District magistrates have been asked to monitor the situation strictly throughout the festival.

Officials will keep watch from start to finish.

Explainer

What happened before

Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.
It is observed on the sixth day of the Hindu month of Kartik, six days after Diwali.

Why it matters

The rules are meant to keep devotees safe at ghats and prevent panic and stampedes during the festival.

What to watch next

The festival begins on November 13 with the Nahai Khai ritual and ends on November 16.
District magistrates have been asked to prepare safety plans and hold meetings with Chhath committees.