Chhath Puja 2018: Scores of Devotees Throng at Mumbai's Juhu Beach, Traffic Snarls Expected
According to reports, nearly 1.5 lakh people, mostly of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar-origins, were expected to arrive at the Juhu beach to offer prayers.
Mumbai, November 13: Scores of devotees have thronged at Mumbai's Juhu beach on Tuesday on the occasion of Chhath Puja 2018. As the number of devotees continue to stack up, traffic snarl was reported at the Juhu Tara Road.
According to reports, nearly 1.5 lakh people, mostly of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar origins, were expected to arrive at the Juhu beach to offer prayers. Congress' city unit president Sanjay Nirupam, who has been organising the Chhath Puja for the last 20 years, also joined the devotees and prayed at the seashore. Mumbai: Traffic Restrictions Imposed on Western Express Highway, Light and Medium Commercial Vehicles Banned.
Traffic jams were expected in Juhu, Bandra, Mahim and other parts of the western suburbs as devotees will continue to arrive at the beach till sunset.
Apart from Juhu beach, Chhath Puja is also celebrated at the Aksa beach, Palm beach in Navi Mumbai, Bhagat Talab in Panvel and the Vashi Sea Shore.
Chhath Puja is considered to be among the biggest festival of North Indians. Attempts have also been made to politicise the fest, with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena threatening to disrupt the religious activist if attempts are made to turn into a "political events".
Notably, the North Indians form a core of Mumbai's population, and are crucial to poll prospects of most mainstream parties. The Congress, BJP and Shiv Sena have not only extended support to the community, but has also promised to retaliate to any aggression shown by the section of chauvinists within the MNS.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 13, 2018 05:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).