4-day Chhath fest starts, devotees offer prayers to Sun god

The four-day-long Chhath Puja festivities commenced on Saturday with the ritual of ‘Nahay-Khay’, marking the beginning of the festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

On the first day, devotees observed traditional customs by taking a holy dip and preparing pure vegetarian meals as part of the sacred observance. The ritual signifies purification and devotion, setting the tone for the days ahead.

The second day, known as ‘Kharna’, involves a strict fast from sunrise to sunset. Devotees prepare offerings of jaggery, rice, and wheat, breaking their fast in the evening after making offerings to the deity. The ‘prasad’ (ritual food offerings) is then distributed among family, friends, and neighbours, promoting unity and community harmony.

The third day, dedicated to ‘Sandhya Arghya’, sees devotees gather along rivers, ponds and other water bodies in the evening to offer ‘arghya’ (prayers and offerings) to the setting Sun. Fruits, sugarcane, and prasad are presented to express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth.

The fourth and final day, ‘Usha Arghya’, is devoted to offering prayers to the rising Sun. Devotees break their fast after making offerings, symbolising renewal and spiritual rebirth. The prasad is then shared among family and community members, marking the conclusion of the festival.

Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta extended festive greetings to the people. “Heartiest greetings to everyone on the occasion of ‘Nahay-Khay’ of Chhath Puja, a celebration of tradition, faith, and social harmony. I pray to Chhathi Maiya for everyone’s happiness and prosperity,” Shah posted on X.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also conveyed her wishes on X, writing, “Chhath, the grand festival of Sun worship that begins with Nahay-Khay, embodies purity, discipline, and self-control. Bihar’s folk culture has shaped a philosophy of life through this festival, where nature and faith are intertwined. On this sacred occasion, may Chhathi Maiya bless every family with happiness, peace, and prosperity. May the Sun God’s energy bring new light to India, guiding the nation towards unity, discipline, and self-reliance.”

Primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Delhi, Chhath Puja is renowned for its rigorous rituals and profound spiritual significance.