PM Modi Extends Heartfelt Wishes As Chhath Puja Concludes With Sunrise Rituals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt greetings to devotees and fasting individuals as the four-day festival of Chhath Puja concluded on Tuesday morning with the offering of Usha Arghya, prayers to the rising sun.

He expressed his best wishes to all who participated in this sacred festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote, “Today, the auspicious conclusion of the great festival of Chhath took place with the morning arghya offered to Lord Sun God. During this four-day ritual, we witnessed the divine glimpse of our grand tradition of Chhath Puja. Heartfelt congratulations to all our family members who became part of this sacred festival, along with all the fasting devotees and devotees! May the boundless grace of Chhathi Maiya keep all your lives forever illuminated.”

A Festival of Faith and Gratitude

Celebrated annually after Diwali, Chhath Puja is a festival of devotion and gratitude, honouring the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya for bestowing health, wealth, and prosperity.

According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is observed on the sixth day (Shashthi Tithi) of Kartik Shukla Paksha and typically spans four days.

The observance begins with Nahay Khay—a holy dip followed by a simple meal—marking the start of purification. The second day, Kharna, involves a day-long fast that ends after sunset with offerings of rasiya (sweet porridge) and roti.

The third day, Sandhya Arghya, witnesses devotees offering prayers to the setting sun, while the final day, Usha Arghya, concludes the rituals with prayers to the rising sun, signifying renewal and hope.

According to the Ramayana, Chhath Puja originated in ancient times when Lord Rama and Goddess Sita performed the ritual upon returning to Ayodhya to seek divine blessings for prosperity.

The festival carries immense cultural and spiritual significance across Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, and is also celebrated in Nepal and by Indian diaspora communities worldwide.

Scenes of Devotion Across India

From early Tuesday morning, thousands of devotees gathered at riverbanks, ponds, and ghats to offer their final prayers to the rising sun.

Across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Maharashtra, women stood waist-deep in chilly waters, folding their hands in reverence as the sun’s first rays touched the horizon.

These serene yet powerful scenes of devotion reflect the enduring faith that defines Chhath Puja — a celebration that bridges spirituality, nature, and community.

Prime Minister Modi’s message encapsulated this sentiment of divine connection and unity, wishing that the blessings of Chhathi Maiya continue to bring light, prosperity, and happiness to every home across the nation.

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