Amit Shah, Rekha Gupta Extend Greetings On Nahay-Khay As Chhath Puja Begins Across India

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday extended warm wishes to citizens on the occasion of Nahay-Khay, marking the beginning of Chhath Puja, a festival that symbolises faith, cultural tradition, and social unity.

Taking to X, Amit Shah posted, “Heartfelt greetings to all on the occasion of ‘Nahay-Khay’, the festival celebrating tradition, faith, and social harmony of Chhath Puja. I pray to Chhathi Maiya for the happiness and prosperity of everyone.”

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that Chhath, which begins with the ritual of Nahay-Khay, embodies purity, discipline, and self-restraint in the worship of the Sun. She noted that the festival, deeply rooted in Bihar’s folk culture, reflects a life philosophy where nature and faith are intertwined.

On the occasion of Nahay-Khay, the Delhi CM wished that Chhathi Maiya bless all families with happiness, peace, and prosperity, and expressed hope that the Sun God’s energy would bring new light to India.

Gupta further added that the age-old tradition of Chhath continues to guide the nation toward unity, discipline, and self-reliance.

Chhath Puja is one of the most revered Hindu festivals, especially celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The observance also extends to Nepal and Indian communities across the world.

Dedicated to the worship of the Sun god (Surya) and his sister Chhathi Maiya, the festival embodies purity, thankfulness, and the well-being of families.

Regarded as one of the most ancient festivals of Sun worship, Chhath Puja traces its origins to the Satyuga and Dwapara Yuga.

Devotees observe strict fasting, often going without food or water for long hours as a mark of devotion and to seek divine blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity.

Devotees believe that worshipping the Sun during Chhath removes negativity and brings peace and positivity to life.

Four Sacred Days of Chhath Puja

The festival spans four days, each with its own spiritual significance:

• Day 1 – Nahay-Khay: The observance begins with a ritual bath in rivers or ponds to symbolically purify the body and soul. Devotees prepare simple vegetarian meals, maintaining cleanliness and sanctity.
• Day 2 – Kharna: Devotees fast from sunrise to sunset, preparing offerings of jaggery, rice, and wheat. Devotees break the fast after sunset with prayers and share the prasad with family and neighbours, promoting togetherness.
• Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya: In the evening, worshippers gather along riverbanks to offer arghya (ritual offerings) to the setting Sun, expressing gratitude for the life-giving energy of Surya.
• Day 4 – Usha Arghya: On the final day, devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun and then break their fast, symbolising renewal, rebirth, and spiritual cleansing. The prasad is then distributed among family and community members.

Celebrated with devotion and simplicity, Chhath Puja highlights the connection between humans and nature.

The offerings, fruits, vegetables, and sweets represent the bounty of nature, while fasting and prayers signify purity and gratitude.

At its essence, Chhath Puja reminds devotees to live in balance with nature, upholding faith, discipline, and respect for the natural world.

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