New Delhi: Devotees across India kicked off the four-day Chhath Puja festival on Saturday with the sacred Nahay-Khaay ritual, dedicated to the Sun God. Moreover, the festival celebrates the harmony between nature and humanity, while emphasizing purity, gratitude, and devotion.
On the first day, Vratis (devotees observing the fast) took holy dips in rivers or ponds. Afterwards, they enjoyed a simple sattvic meal of arwa chawal (plain rice) and lauki ki sabzi (bottle gourd curry) following their prayers. In addition, they prepared traditional foods like chana dal, amla chutney, and papad and later shared these as prasad with family and community members.
Furthermore, thousands of devotees will gather at bathing ghats in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. Similarly, Indian communities worldwide will also join to perform the rituals with unwavering faith.
Chhath Puja traces its roots to the Satyuga and Dwapara Yuga, which makes it one of the oldest forms of Sun worship. Consequently, devotees observe strict fasting, abstaining from food and water to express devotion and seek blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness. In fact, worshipping Surya during Chhath removes negativity and brings peace, positivity, and spiritual renewal.
Four-Day Rituals of Chhath Puja:
Day 1 – Nahay-Khaay: Devotees cleanse themselves with a holy dip. Then, they prepare the first offerings of vegetables and pulses, focusing on purity and sanctity.
Day 2 – Kharna: Devotees fast from sunrise to sunset, offering jaggery, rice, and wheat to the deity. In the evening, they break their fast with prasad. They share it with family and neighbours to promote unity and community spirit.
Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya: Devotees gather near water bodies in the evening to offer arghya to the setting Sun. They present fruits, sugarcane, and prasad to show gratitude for sustaining life.
Day 4 – Usha Arghya: Devotees pray to the rising Sun, break their fast after making offerings, and distribute prasad among family and community members. This symbolizes renewal and spiritual rebirth.
Chhath Puja emphasizes simplicity, devotion, and respect for nature. Devotees offer fruits, vegetables, and sweets as gifts of the Earth. Fasting and prayers reflect their commitment to cleanse the body, mind, and soul. At its heart, Chhath Puja embodies gratitude, fostering harmony between humans and the natural world.
–IANS
