Hatania Pond in the State capital is one of the most preferred destinations among denizens for the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja. Every year, thousands of people offer prayer at Hatania Pond alongwith VVIP persons such as the Governor, the CM, the senior political leaders and Government officials.
“Every year we witness over 15,000 people during the Chhath Puja at Hatania pond. Moreover, few dignitaries like the Governor, the Chief Minister and other officials also visit Hatania Pond on the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja, seeing that every year we make special arrangements covering various aspects be it security, lightening arrangements, decorations,” sauid a member Bharatiya Yuvak Samiti, Vaidyanath Kumar.
Citing details about the security arrangements Kumar added, “This time again we have made tight security arrangements. As many as 10 divers and four boats will be available on the spot in order to combat any mishap. As many as 50 police women will be available to assist the devotees. Moreover, 10 CCTVs are also put up at various places covering the premises. For lightening we have also covered approximately 3 Km area. Signboards too have been put up for convenient of denizens.” Since 1993, devotees are offering prayer at Hatania Pond. As the pond is situated in the heart of the city, denizens too prefer visiting the place for Chhath puja rituals.
“My house is located in Ratu road and for Chhath puja Hatania pond is the nearest destination. Moreover, it is one of the cleanest ponds in the city to offer prayer. All essential arrangement is done by the members of the community which makes easier for the devotees to perform Chhath puja,” said Rita Das, a devotee.
Total 150 members are associated with Bhartiya Yuvak Sangh who is responsible for maintaining the pond especially during the Chhath puja.
“Four lakhs is the total budget which we spend during the Chhath puja on essential commodities like lights, flowers, security etc and all mandatory arrangements are done with that particular amount. We do not charge any specific amount from any individual for this particular purpose and to keep the site clean we conduct regular cleanliness drive yearly,” added Kumar.
Volunteers also try to help the district administration in maintaining law and orders inside the premises. Regular and constant announcements during the occasion are done for the convenience of devotees.