The Chhath Puja sequence featuring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari in Sooraj Barjatya’s upcoming film Yeh Prem Mol Liya brings the festival’s riverside traditions into the cinematic spotlight. In the devotional song ‘Bulaye Chhathi Maa’, the actors are seen participating in the rituals, including offering Arghya to the setting sun. The sequence offers a glimpse of a festival deeply rooted in Bihar’s cultural identity, where devotion to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya brings families and communities together along sacred riverbanks.
As the sun’s final rays fall over the Ganga, devotees wade into the water carrying bamboo baskets filled with seasonal fruits, thekua and sugarcane. The four-day festival, being observed from November 13 to 16 in 2026, moves through Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya, concluding with offerings to the rising sun on November 16. Beyond this evocative spectacle, Chhath offers an opportunity to discover Bihar through its historic ghats, architectural landmarks and spiritual traditions. A journey through Patna, Munger and Gaya reveals a landscape shaped by the Ganga and Phalgu rivers, where centuries-old pilgrimage sites, traditional arts and yogic heritage meet select high-end hospitality and slower travel experiences.
Patna’s Riverside Heritage
Patna offers an atmospheric introduction to Chhath Puja. Along Gandhi Ghat, the Ganga becomes a focal point for the festival, with devotees gathering for the evening and morning offerings. The sight of hundreds of worshippers standing in the water as the sky changes colour offers a memorable perspective on the city’s relationship with the river.
Away from the riverfront, Patna’s architectural heritage provides another reason to linger. Golghar, an 18th-century granary, and Sabhyata Dwar, a sandstone gateway inspired by Mauryan architecture, offer glimpses into the city’s layered past. A stay at Taj City Centre Patna brings contemporary hospitality into this heritage itinerary, with elegant accommodation, dining and wellness facilities. It also provides a comfortable base from which to explore the city’s landmarks before continuing towards the quieter riverfront destinations.
Munger’s Sacred Banks
The journey eastwards leads to Munger, a city whose identity is closely tied to the Ganga and its pilgrimage traditions. Kastaharni Ghat is among its significant religious landmarks, associated with local traditions surrounding Lord Rama and Lakshmana. The northward-flowing river adds to the site’s spiritual significance, drawing pilgrims who come here for ritual bathing and prayers.
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Munger’s heritage extends beyond its ghats. Munger Fort, overlooking the Ganga, reflects the city’s historical importance and offers a glimpse into its architectural past. During Chhath, the riverbanks take on a different character as local communities gather for the festival’s offerings. The experience is less about sightseeing and more about observing a living tradition that continues to shape the rhythm of the city.
Gaya’s Spiritual Landscape
The journey moves towards Gaya and the Phalgu River from the Ganga, another important setting in Bihar’s religious geography. Vishnupad Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site, stands close to the river and is associated with the belief that Lord Vishnu left his footprint here. The surrounding pilgrimage landscape offers a deeper understanding of the region’s spiritual traditions.
A short journey away, Bodh Gaya introduces a different dimension of sacred heritage. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Buddhism’s most significant pilgrimage destinations. Its architecture and serene surroundings make it an essential stop for travellers exploring Bihar’s spiritual landscape.
The hospitality experience here complements the destination’s contemplative atmosphere. Marasa Sarovar Premiere Bodhgaya offers a design-led stay with landscaped surroundings and Buddhist-inspired elements. The Imperial Bodhgaya, with its grand interiors, premium accommodation and dining spaces, provides another high-end option for travellers seeking comfort while exploring the region.
The Art of Slowing
Apart from its sacred landmarks, Bihar invites travellers to engage with its creative and culinary traditions. Madhubani painting and Tikuli art offer insights into the state’s artistic heritage, with their distinctive motifs and intricate craftsmanship. Exploring local workshops and meeting artisans can add a more personal dimension to the journey.
Food is equally integral to understanding the region. Litti chokha, thekua and other traditional preparations reflect Bihar’s culinary identity, while Chhath itself brings seasonal ingredients and ritual offerings into focus. The festival’s four-day observance, comprising Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya, also encourages a slower engagement with local customs and the natural environment.
More than Ticking off Landmarks
Chhath travel is more about experiencing a destination through its people, rituals and landscapes rather than simply ticking off landmarks. Visitors should respect the privacy of devotees, follow local safety advisories and avoid disrupting religious observances, particularly at crowded ghats.
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Bihar’s appeal lies in the way its rivers, architecture and traditions remain intertwined. A journey through Patna, Munger and Gaya offers an opportunity to discover this connection at an unhurried pace. Paired with considered hospitality and immersive cultural encounters, it presents a more meaningful interpretation of luxury travel, one shaped by a sense of place rather than extravagance alone.
