The Chhath festival concluded today (November 8) with vibrant celebrations as devotees across Nepal offered prayers to the rising Sun. The final ritual, known as Argha , involved presenting offerings to the Sun God in rivers and ponds across the country, with particular fervor in districts like Mahottari, Dhanusha, Siraha, and Saptari in the Mithila region.
Thousands of devotees gathered on the banks of ponds, lakes, and rivers, observing ancient rituals that underscore the festival's essence: devotion to the Sun God and reverence for all living beings. The rising and setting suns are worshipped during Chhath, reflecting a unique tradition that promotes truth, non-violence, and universal compassion.
A sense of unity prevailed, as people from diverse backgrounds participated in the ritual. The festival of Chhath is cherished as a celebration of goodwill, faith, and social harmony. It is widely believed that by pleasing the Sun God, devotees bring happiness, prosperity, and longevity to their families.
The festival’s second day on Wednesday saw devotees observing a day-long fast, which culminated in offerings of rice pudding to the goddess Sasthi. Devotees performed pujas to honor their ancestors, eating only fruits on this day in preparation for the main rituals.
On the main day, Kartik Shukla Sasthi -- the sixth day of the bright half (waxing phase) of the month of Kartik as per the lunar calendar, devotees observed fast strictly, even abstaining from water, to offer Argha to the setting sun. According to religious belief, those who observe this fast and ritual will be free from skin ailments.
As Chhath concludes, it leaves behind not only blessings but a reminder of the values of faith, unity, and harmony that sustain the festival's popularity across generations. -- (With inputs from RSS)
