Introduction
The auspicious festival of Chhath Puja, a celebration of local faith and tradition, has begun with the ritual of Nahay Khay. During this four-day festival, devotees worship Lord Surya Narayan for the long life of their children. The worship of Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev is also observed in the month of Chaitra. This year, the Chaitra Chhath festival started on April 12 with Nahay Khay and concludes on April 15 with offering Arghya to the rising sun.
Fasting for over 24 hours
Many devotees observe a Nirjala fast for more than 24 hours during Chhath Puja. This rigorous fast is considered one of the most difficult fasts, where devotees abstain from food and water for an extended period of time to seek blessings from the deities.
Crowds of devotees at Gandhi Ghats in Patna
A large number of devotees were seen performing Chhath rituals at the Gandhi Ghats in Patna. Extensive security arrangements were made by the district administration until April 15. Women who came to take a dip in the Ganga during the festival mentioned that the fast is kept with the desire for the long life, health, and happiness of their children. The Chhath fast is known for its strict rules, with devotees observing it for 36 hours or more, including a period of Nirjala fasting.
Short
Chhath Puja is a significant festival that holds deep cultural and religious importance for devotees, who observe rigorous fasting rituals to seek blessings for their families’ well-being and prosperity. The festival brings communities together in prayer and devotion, celebrating the power of nature and the sun god, Surya.
छठ पूजा के दौरान एक दूसरे सिंदूर लगातीं व्रती अपनी संतान की लंबी आयु के लिए भगवान सूर्यनारायण की आराधना करती हैं। यह महापर्व चार दिवसीय होता है और व्रती चौबीस घंटो से अधिक समय तक निर्जल व्रत रखते हैं। इस साल चैत्र छठ पर्व की शुरुआत 12 अप्रैल को हुई और 15 अप्रैल को उगते सूर्य को अर्घ्य देने के साथ इसका समापन होगा। गंगा घाट पर आस्था की डुबकी लगाने आईं महिलाओं ने इस व्रत को संतान की लंबी उम्र, स्वास्थ्य और सुखमय जीवन की कामना के साथ रखा जाता है।
