New Delhi: The four-day Chhath puja began on Tuesday with Nahay Khay on Day 1 of the festivities.
Nahay Khay, which falls on the Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, is all about cleansing, and prepping for the festival. Nahay Khay is followed by Kharna on Panchami Tithi on day 2, Chhath Puja on Sashti, and concludes with Usha Arghya on Saptami Tithi. The festivities will conclude on November 8.
Most significant festival
Chhath Puja is celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Devotees across these states and also those in the national capital were seen performing puja rituals on Tuesday morning at Yamuna and Ganga ghats.
Chhath Puja is one of the most significant festivals, involving strict rituals and fasting to express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth.
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The festival has a special place in every Bihari and Jharkhandi's heart as it brings families together to pay homage to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya.
Kalindi Kunj Ghat
One devotee performing puja at Kalindi Kunj Ghat said, "After taking a holy dip in the ghat and performing puja rituals, we prepare simple food---'ghiya sabzi' (bottle guard) and 'aloo gobi sabzi' along with chana dal."
Devotees participated in puja and were seen applying red tilak to each other's foreheads.
CM Atishi reviewed
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Delhi Chief Minister Atishi reviewed Chhath Puja preparations at ITO ghat on Monday. She stated that Chhath ghats are being prepared at over 1,000 locations. A public holiday has been declared for November 7 in observance of Chhath Puja.
Indian Railways announced special train services across the country to ensure safe travel for passengers going to their hometowns for Chhath Puja.
The festival has a high participation rate of women and is considered a time to take a break from household chores. It is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. (with Agency inputs)
