Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended greetings to citizens on Nahay Khay, the opening day of the four-day Chhath Puja festival. He paid his respects to devotees observing the rituals and wished them the blessings of Chhathi Maiya.
In a post on X, PM Modi described Chhath Mahaparv as a festival rooted in popular faith and the worship of the Sun God. He further noted that Nahay Khay marked the beginning of the sacred four-day observance and offered his wishes to all those undertaking the fast.
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 is the first of the four main rituals of Chhath Puja. Devotees begin the day with a holy bath, followed by cleaning their homes and kitchens as part of the preparations. The observance places particular emphasis on cleanliness, purity and discipline.
Families traditionally prepare a satvik meal, commonly comprising boiled rice, chana dal and kaddu curry.
Food is prepared while following strict hygiene practices, marking the beginning of the festival’s religious observances.
Chhath Puja originated in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh, and devotees now celebrate it across several parts of the country.
Devotees worship the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, seeking blessings for their children’s health, longevity and prosperity.
The festival continues until November 16, with Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya following Nahay Khay.
Devotees observe a rigorous fast and offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun.
Also known as Surya Shashthi, Chhath Parv, Dala Puja and Chhathi, the festival brings families together in prayer for happiness, peace and prosperity.
Also Read: Chhath Puja 2026 Begins With Nahay Khay: Devotees Start Four-Day Festival
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