Chhath Puja Celebrations Across India
In New Delhi, worshippers gathered at riverbanks to offer Arghya to the rising Sun as part of the Chhath Puja celebrations. This festival is a time for parents to pray to Chhatti Maiya for their children’s protection and their family’s happiness and peace. The final day involves offering ‘Arghya’ to the rising sun at riverbanks.
Celebrations in New Delhi
In the national capital, devotees gathered at locations like Kalindi Kunj, ITO, and Geeta Colony. A devotee at Geeta Colony expressed excitement and contentment in celebrating the festival with her family. Another devotee prayed for her family’s prosperity and well-being.
Festivities in Other Cities
In Gorakhpur, devotees at Guru Gorakhnath Ghat expressed their year-long excitement for the festival, fasting and offering food to Chhath Maa. In Patna, people gathered at Patna College Ghat and Digha Ghat, while in Noida, devotees assembled at Sector 21 stadium. Visuals from Kolkata, Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Prayagraj showed large gatherings at Ganga Ghat.
Four-Day Festival
The festival spans four days: Nahay-Khay, Kharna, Chhath Puja, and concludes with Usha Arghya. It involves fasting to thank the Sun God for sustaining life. Chhath Puja 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, celebrated mainly in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and also in Nepal. It involves rituals like fasting, bathing in rivers, and offering prayers to the Sun for the well-being of family members.
Arghya -: Arghya is a ritual offering made to the Sun God during Chhath Puja. Devotees offer water, milk, and flowers to the rising and setting sun as a sign of respect and gratitude.
Kalindi Kunj -: Kalindi Kunj is a popular park and picnic spot in New Delhi, located near the Yamuna River. It is one of the places where people gather to celebrate Chhath Puja in the city.
Nahay-Khay -: Nahay-Khay is the first day of the Chhath Puja festival. On this day, devotees take a holy bath and prepare a special meal, which marks the beginning of the festival’s rituals.
Kharna -: Kharna is the second day of Chhath Puja. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and break it in the evening after offering prayers, usually with a simple meal of kheer (rice pudding) and fruits.
Usha Arghya -: Usha Arghya is the final ritual of Chhath Puja, performed on the fourth day. Devotees offer prayers to the rising sun, marking the end of the festival, and seek blessings for health and prosperity.
