Chhath Puja Celebrations Across India
On the third day of Chhath Puja, devotees from all over India gathered to perform Sandhya Puja, offering Arghya to Lord Surya. Political figures like Nitish Kumar, Lalu Yadav, Atishi, Arvind Kejriwal, and Manoj Tiwari participated in the rituals, presenting fruits, sweets, and thekua as prasad, accompanied by hymns and prayers to Chhathi Maiya.
Prime Minister’s Greetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings, wishing happiness, prosperity, and good fortune for everyone. He described the festival as a symbol of simplicity, restraint, determination, and dedication.
Celebrations in Bihar
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar performed Sandhya Puja at his residence in Patna. Lalu Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav observed the rituals at Ganga Ghat, expressing hopes for peace and progress in Bihar.
Delhi’s Festive Spirit
In Delhi, CM Atishi and Arvind Kejriwal offered prayers, highlighting the expanded arrangements for Chhath Puja ghats. Over 1,000 locations were set up for the celebrations, compared to previous years.
Other States Join In
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Goa CM Pramod Sawant, and Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai also participated in the rituals. Celebrations were held in Telangana, Odisha, and West Bengal, with leaders extending their best wishes.
Festival Overview
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival involving strict rituals and fasting to thank the Sun God. It is mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, parts of Nepal, and by diaspora communities.
Doubts Revealed
Chhath Puja -: Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. It is celebrated mainly in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. The festival lasts for four days and involves rituals like fasting, bathing in rivers, and offering prayers to the sun.
Sandhya Puja -: Sandhya Puja is a ritual performed during Chhath Puja in the evening. Devotees offer prayers and Arghya, which is a ritual offering of water, to the setting sun. It is an important part of the Chhath Puja celebrations.
Arghya -: Arghya is a ritual offering made to the Sun God during Chhath Puja. It usually involves offering water, milk, and flowers to the sun. This is done to show gratitude and seek blessings for health and prosperity.
Lord Surya -: Lord Surya is the Hindu Sun God. He is considered the source of life and energy. People worship him during Chhath Puja to thank him for his blessings and to seek his protection.
Nitish Kumar -: Nitish Kumar is an Indian politician and the Chief Minister of Bihar. He is known for participating in cultural and religious events in the state. During Chhath Puja, he often takes part in the rituals along with other devotees.
Lalu Yadav -: Lalu Yadav is a well-known Indian politician from Bihar. He has been the Chief Minister of Bihar and is a prominent leader in the state. He also participates in Chhath Puja celebrations, showing his connection to the cultural traditions of Bihar.
Arvind Kejriwal -: Arvind Kejriwal is the Chief Minister of Delhi, the capital city of India. He is a political leader who often engages with the community during festivals like Chhath Puja. His participation highlights the festival’s importance in Delhi as well.
Prime Minister Modi -: Prime Minister Modi refers to Narendra Modi, the current Prime Minister of India. He often extends greetings and wishes to the people during important festivals like Chhath Puja, promoting unity and cultural harmony.
Bihar -: Bihar is a state in eastern India where Chhath Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional festivals.
Jharkhand -: Jharkhand is a state in eastern India, neighboring Bihar. It shares cultural similarities with Bihar, and Chhath Puja is also widely celebrated here.
Uttar Pradesh -: Uttar Pradesh is a large state in northern India. It is known for its diverse culture and traditions, including the celebration of Chhath Puja.