As millions prepare to greet the rising sun during Chhath Puja, a brewing storm in the Bay of Bengal is casting a long shadow over one of India’s most sacred festivals. The India Meteorological Department has issued urgent warnings that Cyclone Montha—developing from a low-pressure system southeast of Kakinada—could disrupt rituals across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and even Delhi-NCR from October 25 to 28, 2025. With wind speeds projected to hit 60 km/h and heavy rain expected in coastal and northern regions, devotees preparing for the pre-dawn Usha Arghya on October 28 may face not just fog and chill, but potentially dangerous conditions.
Storm Brewing, Festivals at Risk
Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Department, confirmed the system is moving west-northwest, intensifying into a depression by October 25 and a cyclonic storm by October 27. The storm’s center currently lies about 890 km from Kakinada, but its outer bands are already brushing the eastern coastline. Fishermen along the Odisha and Andhra coasts have been ordered back to shore—no exceptions. The Andhra Pradesh districts of Kakinada, Konaseema, and Nellore are under red alert, while Tamil Nadu and West Bengal watch nervously as rainfall could peak between October 28 and 31.
For those in Bihar and Jharkhand, the festival’s traditional rituals—standing waist-deep in rivers offering prayers to the sun—are now a gamble. Morning fog and mild chill have already set in, with Patna recording 33.5°C highs and 24.1°C lows. Araria and Forbesganj, the hottest spots, hit 35.2°C. But the real concern isn’t heat—it’s the unpredictable shift coming after October 27. A Western Disturbance is expected to sweep down from the Himalayas, bringing a 2–4°C drop in temperatures and possibly light rain to Delhi and parts of Bihar just as the final rites begin.
Delhi’s Double Trouble: Rain, Smog, and a Holiday
Delhi, where Chief Minister Rekha Gupta declared October 27 a public holiday to honor Chhath Puja, faces a peculiar paradox. The city’s air quality remains in the ‘very poor’ category, with an AQI hovering near 350. Humidity is stuck at 85%, turning the air thick and sticky. The IMD predicts light drizzle on the evening of October 27 and into October 28—just as devotees gather at the Yamuna’s banks. While rain might briefly clear the haze, it also risks soaking sacred offerings and making riverbanks slippery. Temperatures will dip slightly to 28–30°C during the day, with nights warming to 18–20°C, but the real danger is the combination of wet ground, low visibility, and poor air quality.
“We’ve set up covered platforms and temporary shelters along the river,” said a senior official from the Delhi Disaster Management Authority. “But if the rain comes with wind, even those won’t be enough.”
Regional Variations, Rising Fears
While Delhi and Bihar brace for mixed conditions, other states face sharper threats. Maharashtra’s Dhule, Nandurbar, and Nashik districts are under orange alert for thunderstorms and gusts up to 50 km/h. In West Bengal, Kolkata and Howrah could see torrential rain late in the festival window. The IMD warns that if Cyclone Montha strengthens beyond current projections, coastal districts may face storm surges and power outages.
Meanwhile, in rural Bihar, where many families travel hours to riverside ghats, the uncertainty is causing panic. “My mother insists on going to the Ganga even if it rains,” said Priya Singh, a 32-year-old teacher from Muzaffarpur. “She says the Sun God will protect us. But what if the wind blows out the diya? What if the water rises?”
What’s Next? The Aftermath and the Climate Pattern
Even if Cyclone Montha weakens before landfall, the broader pattern is alarming. The convergence of a cyclonic system over the Bay of Bengal with a Western Disturbance from the north is becoming more frequent. Climate scientists point to rising sea surface temperatures in the Bay—up 1.2°C since 2010—as a key driver. This year’s Chhath Puja isn’t just a weather event; it’s a symptom of a larger shift in India’s seasonal rhythms.
Historically, Chhath Puja has been celebrated under clear skies. In 2020, heavy rains forced many to postpone rituals. In 2022, fog delayed prayers in Patna for nearly two hours. But 2025 is different: a storm system, pollution, and temperature swings are colliding at once. The IMD says the Western Disturbance may bring marginal relief from smog—but not enough. “We’re seeing a new normal,” said Dr. Anil Mehta, a senior meteorologist at the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting. “Festivals tied to natural cycles are now at the mercy of climate volatility.”
What Can Devotees Do?
Authorities urge caution. Those planning riverbank rituals are advised to:
- Check local IMD alerts every 3 hours via the official app
- Avoid standing in deep water if winds exceed 40 km/h
- Carry waterproof covers for offerings and lamps
- Stay off roads during heavy rain due to potential flooding
- Use public transport—many roads may be closed
Temples in Patna, Varanasi, and Delhi have begun organizing indoor prayer sessions as backups. “The spirit of Chhath is devotion, not location,” said Pandit Rameshwar Prasad, a priest from Kashi. “If the sun is hidden, the heart still sees it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Chhath Puja be canceled because of Cyclone Montha?
No, Chhath Puja won’t be canceled. Authorities are preparing contingency plans—indoor prayer halls, covered ghats, and emergency shelters—especially in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The rituals will proceed, but with safety as the priority. Devotees are being advised to avoid risky riverbank spots if winds exceed 40 km/h or rain becomes heavy.
How will the weather affect the Usha Arghya on October 28?
The Usha Arghya at sunrise (6:30 AM) may be partially obscured by mist or light drizzle in Delhi and parts of Bihar. While the sun is expected to break through by 7:00 AM, visibility could be reduced. Devotees are advised to carry umbrellas or raincoats and avoid standing in waterlogged areas. The ritual’s spiritual significance remains unchanged, even if the sky is cloudy.
Is it safe to travel to riverbanks during the festival?
Travel is discouraged in high-risk zones like coastal Andhra, West Bengal’s districts, and flood-prone riverbanks in Bihar. Local authorities have begun restricting vehicle access near major ghats in Patna and Varanasi. Public transport will be prioritized, and many cities are running special buses. If you must travel, check real-time weather alerts and avoid low-lying areas after dark.
Why is Delhi experiencing rain when Cyclone Montha is far away?
Delhi’s rain isn’t from Cyclone Montha directly—it’s from a separate Western Disturbance moving down from the Himalayas. This system is interacting with the cyclone’s moisture-laden winds, creating unusual cloud cover and light drizzle over the NCR. It’s a rare meteorological overlap, which is why even inland areas are being affected.
What’s the long-term impact of this on future Chhath Puja celebrations?
Climate models suggest more frequent disruptions to seasonal festivals by 2030. Rising Bay of Bengal temperatures are fueling stronger cyclones earlier in the year, while Western Disturbances are becoming more erratic. Chhath Puja, tied to specific solar timings, may need to adapt—perhaps shifting to community centers or digital rituals for safety. This year could be a turning point in how India balances tradition with climate reality.
Are there any health risks during Chhath Puja this year?
Yes. With AQI at 350 and humidity above 80%, respiratory distress is a serious concern, especially for the elderly and children. Standing in cold, damp air for hours increases risk of hypothermia and infections. Health departments are distributing masks and warm wraps at major ghats. Those with asthma or heart conditions are strongly advised to avoid outdoor rituals or limit exposure to under 30 minutes.