Janakpur, Oct. 22 -- Preparations are underway in Janakpurdham for the Chhath festival following the end of Deepawali. Ponds and lakes across the city are being cleaned and decorated, with several already ready for use.

Chhath, dedicated to the Sun God, is one of the most important festivals for Hindu communities in the Terai, and its observance has expanded to other regions in recent years.

Markets are seeing a surge in visitors buying festival essentials.

Bhogendra Jha, former vice chair of the Province Policy and Planning Commission, said major water bodies, including Gangasagar, Dhanushsagar, Aragaja Maharasagar, Ratnasagar, Gordhoi, Dasarath Pond, Nocha Pond, Matkoraba Pond, and Dudhamatighat, are being cleaned with strong support...