Water from Bagmati Dhap Dam released into river for Chhath

Kathmandu, Oct 26: The Bagmati River Basin Improvement Project under the High-Powered Committee for Integrated Development of the Bagamati Civilisation has released water from the Dhap Dam into the Bagmati River in view of the Chhath Festival, which will be mainly observed on Monday.

The move aims to increase the water flow in the river to facilitate devotees in performing rituals that warrant holy dips. According to the Committee’s Information Officer, Uddhav Nepal, it takes around 14 hours for the water released from the Dhap Dam to reach the Pashupatinath area. Water from the dam is released into the river on special occasions.

This time, the Committee will release water - 400 litres per second for two days. The water level in the river is expected to reach approximately knee-high for an average adult.

The Chhath Festival holds special significance for Hindu devotees from the Terai/Madhesh region. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and his consort Chhathi Maiya, and is observed by worshipping the Sun and praying for family welfare and prosperity.

The festival initially observed with fanfare in the Mithila region of Nepal- eastern belt of Tarai/Madhesh- has expanded across country in recent years, including the federal capital, Kathmandu. Water bodies are major parts of the festival celebration, where the devotees observing fast take dips. (RSS)