PATNA, Nov. 14 -- As the autumn chill settles over the Gangetic plains, the air across Bihar is thick with the fragrance of burning mango wood, roasted wheat, and devotion. The state is immersed in the sacred fervour of Chhath Puja, an ancient festival of austere discipline and gratitude dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. Unlike festivals marked by revelry, Chhath is defined by quiet endurance where every devotee stands in knee-deep water in piety. The four-day observance began on Friday with the auspicious ritual of Nahay Khay. "Devotees took holy dips in the Ganga and local water bodies before preparing and partaking in a single sattvic meal of bottle gourd, chana dal, and rice cooked on earthen stoves," said octogenarian Sheetala Mishra, observing Chhath for past 53 years in a row. "This sacred ritual of purification sets the tone for the rigorous spiritual journey ahead, leading to Kharna, a day-long fast broken after sunset with jaggery kheer and rotis, which signals the start of another gruelling 36-hour nirjala fast without a drop of water," she said. Across Patna and districts from Mithila to Magadh, the transformation of the riverfronts is nearly complete for the main rituals. Along the sprawling banks of the Ganga, municipal workers and local youth committees are giving final touches to miles of ghats. In the bustling markets of Kadamkuan, Raja Bazaar, and Bakerganj, the festive rush has reached a feverish pitch. Vendors sit behind towering heaps of handwoven bamboo soops and dauras, bright yellow turmeric plants, sugarcane stalks, and fragrant galgal lemons, while households prepare wheat and jaggery for thekua. Raman Kumar of Raja Bazaar, who operates a department store in the posh Fraser Road locality, was set to distribute Chhath supplies near his residence for free. Raman said: "Our family holds high reverence for Chhath and we've been distributing free provisions for the past two generations." "The emotional crescendo will arrive over the next two days, when families march barefoot in solemn processions to offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting sun and Usha Arghya to the rising dawn, reaffirming a timeless reverence for nature and life," said astrologer Acharya Nawal Sharma. "Ours is perhaps the only culture to salute the setting sun," he added. CM Samrat Choudhary has directed officials to expedite all remaining preparations, ensuring strong barricading along approach roads and riverbanks, seamless traffic management, continuous public announcements via loudspeakers, and strict safety protocols based on the river's water level and flow. Directing all deputed officials to discharge their duties with complete vigilance, alertness, and readiness, Patna DM Kundan Kumar issued clear instructions that all officials must reach their designated deployment sites before the scheduled time and assume duty. Patna district administration and Traffic Police have unveiled a comprehensive traffic and parking plan to ensure hassle-free movement for devotees. Restrictions will apply from 12 noon to 7pm on November 15, and from 2am to 8am on November 16. Key measures include a complete ban on general vehicular traffic along Ashok Rajpath from Kargil Chowk to Didarganj and both flanks of JP Ganga Pathway (Marine Drive) from Digha to Didarganj. Heavy commercial and construction vehicles are barred from entering the district for 24 hours starting 10am on November 15....