Festival celebrated with fervour in Yamunanagar, Jaghadhri

Chhath Mahaparva was celebrated with devotion in twin cities Yamunanagar and Jagadhri on Tuesday.

Devotees in large numbers performed Chhath Puja on the banks of Western Yamuna Canal. Mayor Suman Bahamani was the chief guest at programmes organised by Purvanchal Kalyan Sabha near Tirtha Nagar ghat of the canal and by Purvanchal Samaj near Badhi Majra bridge in Yamunanagar.

The mayor performed puja along with devotees and wished everyone a happy Chhath Mahaparva.

Bahamani congratulated everyone on the festival, which marked the ultimate act of dedication and sacrifice for the well-being of children and family members.

She prayed to Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God to fulfil the wishes of mothers, the embodiment of love, and to bring ever-increasing happiness, prosperity and well-being to everyone.

The mayor said the Chhath festival was an important festival in Indian culture, reflecting respect for nature, labour and duty. Along with worshipping of the Sun, the festival also symbolised social harmony and family unity.

“During Chhath, people gather on river banks to offer prayers to Sun God and express their gratitude to the nature. This festival teaches us the importance of sacrifice, discipline and cooperation in life. A hallmark of Indian culture is that every festival here is not just a celebration, but a harbinger of life’s philosophy,” said Suman Bahamani.

She added that festivals reminded them that life was not merely about worldly enjoyment, but also an inevitable path to self-discipline, harmony with nature, devotion to duty and social coexistence.

She said the Chhath festival had very ancient origins and it was believed to be linked to the tradition of Sun worship mentioned in the Vedas. “In the Rig Veda, the Sun is described as the provider of life and source of spiritual energy. In the Indian knowledge tradition, the Sun symbolises knowledge, penance, brilliance, labour, discipline and truthfulness,” said Bahamani.

She added that the Chhath fast was not only a religious practice, but also a unique example of physical discipline and mental fortitude. “For four days, the fasting women follow the rules with complete penance, restraint, concentration and a spirit of service. This Sankalp Vrat teaches us that life’s achievements are not achieved through mere desires, but through sacrifice, hard work and discipline,” said Bahamani.