Dawn of Devotion and Democracy: Chhath Amid Hopes for Leadership in Bihar

The Introduction

It was a peaceful morning at the riverbank during the Chhath Puja, and the sun that was about to rise was a symbol of the hopes of the Women who devoted themselves to the cause of Bihar. Those who participated in the ritual were not only following their religious duties but also, in a way, evaluating the administration of the last 20 years and seeing the promise of what will come next under Nitish Kumar.

A river ceremony wrapped in thought

On the Digha Ghat riverbank in Patna, the women availing themselves of the bright-day garments got ready their “daalis” (the baskets) to offer to the Sun while an orchestra of Chhath songs fit for the dawn could be heard. Among them, faithful Sarda Devi, a long-time follower of the Chhath, remembered how the changes in the landscape due to Nitish’s command were, starting from the transformation of the latter into more urbanized ones.

Women’s empowerment: An evident heritage

Not only on the material side, but the government has also done its part—by means of the self-help groups scheme JEEViKA which was launched under the ruling of Nitish, change has been brought to the lives of numerous women. For example, Radha and other women who used to be dependent on daily wage types of work, through this scheme, have a steady income and security, as well as a bright future to look forward to.

However, hope is a carrier of questions too

It was not an entirely rosy picture that has been painted by the observations made by women. Half a dozen women in their 50s raised apprehensions about the health-related issues while acknowledging that more often than not the situation of roads and drainage systems is good, and yet in case of serious disease, they would have to go out of the state for quality treatment and care. In contrast with that another woman accounted for the safety of having increased kids nowadays can easily go for a walk after dark where before they were afraid.

From religious ceremonies to politics: Vigilant lookers-on at Chhath

The sun nears its rising point, and so does the political-awareness level of individuals. At the places where the ritual is performed in Digha and Bankipur, located at the governing coalition’s strongholds, some women are looking beyond just their immediate prayers towards the electoral horizon that is coming up. The ruling axis is aware of this as well: at these ghats, along with performing their devotions to God, people are also judging the ruling party’s performance and are looking forward to the changes they expect.

Conclusion: The sun comes up not only for today but also for tomorrow

Light most charmingly plays on the grouped waters of this early morning very much as it does on the down-to-earth but hopeful women. Their acts at Chhath are a tribute to the past and the present, but at the same time, emphasis is put on governance, welfare, and the hopes of the future. Thus, in Bihar, the festival of Chhath turns out to be a mirror providing not just reflections of faith but also of leadership and people’s way of ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌life.