Chhath Puja concludes with ‘arghya’ to rising sun

A carnival-like atmosphere prevailed near the Chachoki canal on the outskirts of Phagwara and along the banks of the Sutlej near Phillaur early Tuesday morning as lakhs of devotees gathered to worship the rising sun, marking the conclusion of the four-day-long Chhath festival.

The celebration ended with devotees offering ‘arghya’ to the rising sun — a traditional ritual symbolising gratitude and reverence. People began reaching nearby water bodies from the early hours, observing fasts and preparing traditional puja offerings such as kua, coconut, banana and seasonal fruits placed in soop (bamboo trays).

Chhath Puja was observed with devotion and fervour in Phagwara, Goraya, Phillaur, Bilga, Nurmahal and Nakodar areas. The event saw the participation of a large number of devotees, including those from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Public representatives extended their greetings on the occasion. Lok Sabha member Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, AAP Spokesman Harji Maan, former Union Ministers Vijay Sampla and Som Parkash, former minister Joginder Singh Maan, and MLAs Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal, Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary, Jarnail Nangal, Gurpartap Singh Wadala, and Amarjit Singh Samra congratulated the people, describing Chhath Puja as a festival of prosperity and joy.

According to tradition, the festival traces its roots to an ancient legend in which a king was cured of leprosy after following his doctors’ advice to fast and offer ‘arghya’ to the setting and rising sun while standing in knee-deep water.

“As per the tradition, Chhath Puja is performed to thank the sun. All rituals and devotional songs during the festival revolve around the veneration of the sun, with the belief that it promotes health and prosperity,” said a devotee.

Earlier, nearly 50,000 people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh performed the evening Chhath Puja along the Chachoki distributary in Phagwara on Monday, while over one lakh devotees took part in similar rituals near the Sutlej at Phillaur, making it one of the most vibrant celebrations in the region.