Chhath Mahaparva Is A Unique Confluence Of Faith, Worship, And Nature: PM Modi Extends Wishes On Nahay-Khay

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday conveyed his heartfelt greetings to devotees across the nation. The four-day Chhath Puja commenced with the sacred ritual of Nahay-Khay. The celebration honours devotion, discipline, and harmony with nature.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “With the sacred ritual of Nahay-Khay, the four-day grand festival of Chhath is commencing auspiciously from today. My heartfelt best wishes to the devotees across the country, including in Bihar. My salutations and homage to all the observers of the fast!”

The Prime Minister described Chhath as a festival that reflects the essence of Indian culture through simplicity and restraint. He added that its purity and discipline are exemplary.

“On this sacred occasion, the scene visible at the Chhath ghats offers an amazing inspiration of familial and social harmony. The ancient tradition of Chhath has had a profound impact on our society,” PM Modi stated.

Extending his wishes further, PM Modi expressed hope that Chhathi Maiya would bless everyone with happiness, peace, and prosperity.

He highlighted the global presence of the festival, noting that “Today, Chhath is celebrated as a grand festival of culture in every corner of the world. Indian families living across the globe participate in their traditions with complete devotion. My wish is that Chhathi Maiya bestows her abundant blessings upon everyone.”

Describing the festival as a symbol of harmony between faith and nature, the Prime Minister further asserted, “Chhath Mahaparva is a unique confluence of faith, worship, and love for nature. In it, while offerings (arghya) are made to the setting and rising Sun God, the prasad also incorporates the diverse colours of nature. The songs and melodies of Chhath Puja are also filled with a wonderful sentiment of devotion and nature.”

Remembering the late folk legend Sharda Sinha, fondly known as the Nightingale of Bihar, PM Modi recalled his recent visit to Begusarai.

“It was my good fortune that just yesterday, I got the opportunity to go to Begusarai. Bihar Kokila Sharda Sinha ji has had a close connection with Begusarai. Sharda Sinha ji and many folk artists of Bihar have connected the festival of Chhath to a different sentiment through their songs,” he said.

He also shared one of her devotional songs on the occasion, saying, “Today, on this great festival, I am sharing with all of you such songs of Chhathi Maiya, upon hearing which everyone will be spellbound.”

On the opening day, devotees known as Vratis (those observing the fast) take a sacred bath in rivers or ponds. They purify themselves before beginning the rituals of Chhath. After prayers, they eat a simple sattvic meal of arwa chawal (plain rice) and lauki ki sabzi (bottle gourd curry).

Dishes such as chana dal, amla chutney, and papad also feature in the offerings, which devotees later serve as prasad (ritual offerings).

Large gatherings are likely at riverbanks and bathing ghats across India, where thousands of worshippers will come together to perform the rituals with devotion and faith.

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

During the celebration, devotees observe a rigorous fast. Many abstain from both food and water as an act of deep devotion. They seek the Sun god’s blessings for prosperity, good health, and harmony.

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

The festival holds special significance in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is also widely observed in Nepal and among Indian communities abroad.

Dedicated to Surya, the Sun god, and his sister Chhathi Maiya, the festival underscores the values of purity, thankfulness, and family well-being.

Four Sacred Days of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja unfolds through four distinct days, each marked by symbolic rituals of cleansing, endurance, and devotion:

• Day 1 – Nahay-Khay: The festival begins with devotees taking a purifying bath in rivers or ponds. They bring home fresh produce and grains to prepare the day’s offerings, maintaining strict 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, devotees gather near water bodies to offer arghya (prayers and offerings) to the setting Sun, presenting fruits, sugarcane, and prasad in gratitude for the Sun’s life-giving energy.
• Day 4 – Usha Arghya: Devotees make offerings to the rising Sun on the final morning. Devotees then end their fast, symbolising renewal and spiritual rebirth, and distribute prasad among family and community members.

Celebrated with sincerity and simplicity, Chhath Puja highlights the importance of nature’s bounty and the virtues of self-purification.

Each offering, fruits, vegetables, and sweets, represents the gifts of nature, while fasting and prayer express inner cleansing and devotion.

At its heart, Chhath Puja is a festival of gratitude. It reminds people of the balance between humankind and nature and fosters reverence for life’s essential elements.

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