Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his wishes to citizens on Nahay Khay, marking the beginning of the four-day Chhath Puja festival. He paid tribute to devotees observing the fast and wished them the blessings of Chhathi Maiya.
In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister shared his greetings in Hindi. “Heartfelt wishes to all fellow citizens on the start of the four-day sacred ritual of Chhath Mahaparv, a festival of popular faith and sun worship. Today is Nahay-Khay. I bow to all those observing the fast. My wish is that everyone receive the blessings of Chhathi Maiya,” he wrote.
लोक आस्था और सूर्य उपासना के चार दिवसीय पावन अनुष्ठान महापर्व छठ के शुभारंभ पर सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। आज नहाय-खाय है। सभी व्रतियों को मेरा नमन। सबको छठी मइया का आशीर्वाद मिले, यही कामना है।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 13, 2026
Nahay Khay marks the first day of Chhath Puja. Devotees begin the festival by taking a holy bath and cleaning their homes and kitchens. The rituals emphasise cleanliness, purity and devotion.
Families prepare a traditional satvik meal, usually consisting of boiled rice, chana dal and kaddu curry. Devotees follow strict hygiene practices while preparing the food as they begin their religious observances.
Chhath Puja originated in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh but has gradually spread across several parts of the country. Devotees worship the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya and seek blessings for their children’s health, longevity and prosperity.
This year’s celebrations will continue until November 16. The four main rituals include Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya. During the festival, devotees observe a rigorous fast and offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun.
The festival is celebrated under several names, including Surya Shashthi, Chhath Parv, Dala Puja and Chhathi. Families observe the rituals with devotion and pray for happiness, peace and prosperity.
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