Ghaziabad, Oct. 28 -- The Chhath Puja celebrations along the Hindon River in Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar on Mondaywere marred by complaints over poor water quality and low water levels, leaving thousands of devotees frustrated as they gathered to perform rituals in what many described as dirty and stagnant water.

The festival, devoted to the Sun God, was celebrated across 72 locations in Ghaziabad city which included three major locations on the bank of Hindon River. According to official estimates, these three locations witness footfall of about 100,000-150,000 devotees.

The rain-fed river, which draws its flow from the Upper Ganga Canal, had not received fresh water until late Sunday evening, according to local officials. As a res...