Chief minister Raghubar Das on Sunday organised a meeting with members of the Surya Mandir Committee and took stock of Chhath preparations which is slated on Oct 26 and 27.
Das also took stock of preparations for culture soiree to be organised at Sidhgora Surya Mandir where popular playback singer Monali Thakur will made the evening of Chhath more colourful for the devotees with her ensemble of religious songs to rev up the Chhath spirit.
Das, who is also patron of Surya Mandir committee, said that this evening is being organised from several years to mark Chhath celebrations.
According to Das, the purpose of the programme was to promote peace and harmony. “People of all faiths have been invited for the grand show,” said Das, adding that preparations are in full swing. He added that people from all walks of life, and other dignitaries would be a part of the audience.
Sadhna Sinha, Devi, Anuradha Pondwal, Malini Awasthi and Tripti Sakya the great artists have performed at art Chhath puja. Almost five thousand devotees will worship the sun god and 20 thousand people will visit the mandir the occasion. The temple committee will ensure free milk and twigs.
Das directed the members to ensure a clean Chhath with safety measures with 32 CCTVs and a drone camera. Surya Mandir, which is celebrating Chhath since 2000, has invited well-known Bollywood playback singer Monali Thakur to perform at a cultural programme on the temple premises in the evening of Oct 26.
"The prime concern is cleanliness and safety which the committee will take care. Each and every duty has been divided so that the celebrations are smooth. The chief minister spoke to us for more than an hour at the Surya Mandir," said Kulwant Singh Bunty, the media incharge of the Chhath celebrations by Surya Mandir Committee.
There are nearly 20 major ghats in and around Jamshedpur, drawing thousands of devotees every year. In Surya Mandir, the members expect a footfall of 4000 this year. The musical evening will have a crowd of 6000 as expected by the organisers.
The organising committee will depute both female and male volunteers to guide the vratis. The committee also distributed puja paraphernalia coupons so that devotees can buy their requirements at a cheaper price from the market.