GORAKHPUR, Nov. 15 -- With thousands of devotees expected to gather along riverbanks and other water bodies for the evening Chhath Puja rituals on Sunday, police across eastern Uttar Pradesh stepped up security arrangements at major ghats and riverfront locations on Saturday. Gorakhpur Police have put in place multi-layered security arrangements at major Chhath Puja ghats, including CCTV surveillance, barricading, divers and emergency rescue teams, to prevent any untoward incidents during the festival. Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Dr Kaustubh inspected four major ghats and directed officials to ensure foolproof arrangements for crowd control, traffic management and public safety. Superintendent of police (City) Nimish Dashrath Patil said women's safety and crowd management were key priorities in the security plan. Women police personnel, plainclothes policemen and additional surveillance teams have been deployed at major ghats, including Rajghat, Takiya Ghat, Hanuman Ghat and Ramghat. Police officials have also been instructed to ensure the smooth movement of devotees and prevent traffic congestion in nearby areas. Meanwhile, devotees observed Kharna, the second day of the festival, on Saturday. After offering evening prayers and consuming the traditional prasad, including jaggery-based kheer, they will begin a rigorous 36-hour nirjala fast, abstaining from both food and water. Chhath Puja is being celebrated with religious fervour across urban and rural areas of Gorakhpur, Deoria and Kushinagar districts. Women are busy with preparations, assisted by family members, while markets in Padrauna, Kushinagar and other areas have seen a surge in activity. Shops selling fruits, bamboo baskets, soop, daura, coconuts and other puja essentials have reported increased demand. As per tradition, devotees will offer the first arghya to the setting Sun on Sunday evening (November 15). The four-day festival will conclude on Monday morning (November 16) with offerings to the rising Sun, after which devotees will break their fast. The festival is observed to pray for family prosperity, the well-being and longevity of children, and the happiness of loved ones....