Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended warm greetings to the nation as devotees marked the beginning of the four-day Chhath Puja celebrations with the sacred ritual of ‘Nahay-Khay’.
The festival, primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, is dedicated to Chhathi Maiya (Goddess Usha) and the Sun God (Surya). It symbolises gratitude, devotion, and purity as devotees observe fasts and perform traditional rituals near rivers and water bodies.
PM Modi’s Message on X (formerly Twitter)
Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote:
“With the sacred ritual of Nahay-Khay, the four-day grand festival of Chhath is commencing auspiciously from today. My heartfelt best wishes to devotees across the country, including Bihar. My salutations and homage to all those observing the fast!”
In another post, PM Modi reflected on his recent visit to Begusarai, saying he was deeply moved by the cultural connection between the city and Bihar’s folk music heritage.
“I was fortunate to visit Begusarai yesterday. Bihar’s nightingale Sharda Sinha ji has a deep connection with Begusarai. She and many other folk artists from Bihar have added a unique dimension to the Chhath festival through their songs,” he said.
The Prime Minister also shared a collection of devotional songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya, encouraging people to listen and immerse themselves in the festival’s spiritual energy.
About Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is one of the most significant Vedic festivals celebrated mainly in the Gangetic plains. It is observed over four days, starting with Nahay-Khay.
It is followed by Kharna, Sandhya Arghya (evening offerings to the setting sun), and Usha Arghya (morning offerings to the rising sun).
Devotees fast, maintain strict discipline, and stand in water bodies during sunrise and sunset to offer prayers. The rituals emphasise cleanliness, faith, and harmony with nature.
