Bihar Bans Firecrackers, Private Boats Near Chhath Ghats 2026

Ahead of Chhath Puja 2026, the Bihar government has tightened safety measures at riverbanks and ponds, banning the sale and use of firecrackers near puja ghats and restricting private boat operations during the festival. The move is aimed at preventing accidents as thousands of devotees prepare to gather near water bodies to offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun. The state's Disaster Management Department has issued a set of nine-point instructions to district magistrates, asking them to make arrangements for emergencies, including drowning incidents, stampedes and other crowd-related accidents. Chhath Puja will be celebrated from November 13 to 16, 2026, beginning with Nahay-Khay and concluding with the morning Arghya.

Under the new directions, the sale and use of firecrackers will be prohibited near riverbanks and ponds during the festival. District administrations have been asked to monitor these areas to ensure that the restrictions are followed. The measure is intended to reduce the risk of fire-related injuries and panic in crowded spaces. Large numbers of devotees gather close to the water during the evening and morning rituals, making crowd safety particularly important. The restriction applies to areas around ghats and ponds. It should not be confused with a statewide ban on all firecracker use.

Private Boat Operations Restricted During Chhath

The government has also directed authorities to stop private boat operations from Nahay-Khay until the morning Arghya. Magistrates, police personnel and security staff will be deployed to enforce the restriction. However, rescue and emergency arrangements will remain in place. The guidelines call for trained divers, swimmers, motorboats and life-saving equipment at river ghats to respond quickly to drowning incidents and other emergencies.

Nine-Point Safety Plan Issued to Districts

The Disaster Management Department has asked district administrations to focus on nine areas of preparedness:

Identify dangerous ghats: Unsafe riverbanks and ponds must be identified and clearly marked. Barricades should prevent devotees from entering deep or risky water.
Medical assistance: Ambulances, medical teams and Quick Medical Response Teams must remain available at important locations.
Rescue arrangements: Trained divers, swimmers and motorboat operators should be deployed with life jackets and other rescue equipment.
Lighting facilities: Ghats and approach roads must have adequate lighting to prevent accidents in the dark.
24-hour control rooms: District control rooms should remain operational throughout the festival to receive and respond to emergency information.
Firecracker restrictions: Authorities must prevent the sale and use of firecrackers near rivers and ponds.
Private boat restrictions: Private boats must not operate during the specified festival period.
Emergency planning: Districts must prepare disaster-management and communication plans before the celebrations begin.
Coordination with Chhath committees: Officials must hold meetings with local committees and explain safety procedures to volunteers.

The instructions also call for public announcements through loudspeakers and inspections of electrical installations to reduce the risk of electrocution.

Patna Identifies Five Dangerous Ghats Along the Ganga

Preparations are also underway in Patna, where the state government has been reviewing arrangements along the Ganga. According to information released by the Chief Minister's Secretariat following an inspection on November 5, Patna has 103 ghats along the river. Of these, 91 were classified as safe, five as dangerous, while work was continuing at seven. The administration has planned several temporary facilities for devotees, including 552 toilets, 450 urinals, 400 changing rooms, 13 passenger shelters and 171 watchtowers.

The city has also formed 21 sectors to supervise preparations and coordinate work involving different departments and agencies. Patna Municipal Corporation is preparing 92 ghats and 103 ponds, including 37 artificial and 66 permanent ponds, for the festival. The figures highlight the scale of arrangements required to manage the large gatherings expected during Chhath.

Why Crowd Safety Is a Major Concern During Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is among Bihar's most widely observed festivals. Devotees gather at rivers, ponds and other water bodies to offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting Sun and Usha Arghya to the rising Sun. The gatherings create several safety challenges. Slippery riverbanks, changing water levels, strong currents, poor lighting and overcrowding can increase the risk of accidents. A sudden emergency in a densely packed area can also make evacuation difficult.

The government's latest directions therefore focus on prevention as well as emergency response. But issuing guidelines is only the first step. Their effectiveness will depend on whether district administrations enforce the restrictions, keep rescue teams ready and maintain safe access to the ghats. As Chhath Puja approaches, the key challenge for authorities will be to ensure that devotees can observe the festival without being exposed to avoidable risks.