The historic Darbhanga House, the newly-built complex of the district collectorate and 'Sabhyata Dwar' are among the several public buildings located along the banks of Ganga in Patna which have been illuminated in blue hue ahead of the Chhath festival.

The night-time illumination of these structures, some of which face popular old ghats in the city such as the Collectorate Ghat and Kali Ghat, have been done as part of a 'Go Blue' campaign of the Patna district administration.

"Recently, we issued a public appeal to individuals and private entities who have properties located along the ghats of Ganga, to also illuminate those buildings with blue-colour lights, the theme for illumination during the Bihar Diwas celebrations here every year, to mark Chhath festivities," a senior official told PTI.

The four-day Chhath festival, celebrated as a 'Mahaparv' in Bihar, will be held this year from November 5-8. On the last two days, devotees offer 'arghya', first to the setting sun and the next day to the rising sun.

On Sunday, after dark, the over 120-year-old Darbhanga House, a palace built by the erstwhile Darbhanga Raj estate that currently houses the PG department of the Patna University, stood out on the city skyline.

The palatial building, known for its iconic architecture and aesthetic grandeur, faces the Kali Ghat along the river, which draws huge number of devotees during the Chhath celebrations. The building also houses an old Kali temple.

Traditionally, people gather along the banks of Ganga to observe this ancient festival, but due to impact of rapid urbanisation on the river and other constraints, many now prefer to either do rituals in nearby water bodies or on rooftops using makeshift arrangements.

The Collectorate Ghat is one such example where the river water has receded, but only to come back during the monsoon season.

The new high-rise complex which is expected to be inaugurated soon after the Chhath Puja, has been decorated with blue lights and commuters using the Ganga Drive built along the riverfront can catch a glimpse of the illumination. A huge neon signage 'Samharanalay Patna' mounted on its rooftop, glows in vibrant red at night, adding to its aura.

"This illumination of the new Collectorate complex began around Diwali," the official said. The old Collectorate was a cluster of heritage buildings from Dutch era and British period, which were demolished in the second half of 2022 to make way for the new complex, despite protests from several quarters.

Till recent years, devotees from far-off places in the state used to gather in the old Collectorate campus and some used to even camp there for four days to observe Chhath as the eponymous ghat is located right next to the site.