BJP's Nitin Nabin celebrates Chhath Kharna in Patna, distributes puja materials
Synopsis
BJP National President Nitin Nabin marked Chhath Kharna at his Patna home, distributing puja materials at Nala Road and Lalji Tola while crediting India's youth diaspora — from Mumbai to the United States — for taking the festival global. His remarks also carried a pointed, if restrained, response to critics of Chhath.
Key Takeaways
BJP National President Nitin Nabin observed Chhath Kharna at his residence in Patna on 14 November 2026 .
He distributed puja materials at programmes organised by the Traders' Association at Nala Road and Lalji Tola .
Nabin credited the younger generation for giving Chhath Mahaparva international recognition, citing Indians in Mumbai , Delhi and the United States .
He described the festival as rooted in nature worship, with devotees offering gratitude to Lord Bhaskar and Maa Ganga .
Nabin responded indirectly to critics of the festival, saying he would simply pray for their blessings from Chhathi Maiya .
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin on Saturday, 14 November 2026, observed the Kharna rituals — the second day of the four-day Chhath Mahaparva — at his residence in Patna, partaking of the traditional kheer prasad prepared by devotees. He also participated in puja material distribution programmes across the city, reinforcing his public engagement with the festival.
Prayers and Public Outreach
Nabin offered prayers to Chhathi Maiya, seeking happiness, peace and prosperity for people across the country. He extended greetings to all devotees observing the Chhath fast and met BJP workers at his residence on the occasion.
He took part in puja material distribution drives organised by several local bodies, including programmes run by the Traders' Association at Nala Road and Lalji Tola in Patna.
What Nabin Said
'I convey my heartfelt wishes to everyone, especially the people of Bihar, on Chhath Mahaparva. May the blessings of Chhathi Maiya remain upon us all, and may we continue to celebrate this festival with the same enthusiasm and devotion,' Nabin said at the event.
He described Kharna as a spiritually significant part of the festival, during which devotees prepare and distribute kheer as prasad. 'May this festival bring happiness, peace and prosperity to everyone's lives. The spirit of family bonding and togetherness that it promotes should remain with us throughout the year. May the energy of Lord Bhaskar give us strength in all our endeavours,' he added.
Chhath's Cultural Reach Beyond Bihar
Nabin credited the younger generation for carrying Chhath beyond its Bihar roots and giving it wider, even international, recognition. He noted that young people who had migrated to cities such as Mumbai and Delhi — or travelled abroad, including to the United States — for education and work had continued to observe the festival's traditions.
'The older generation taught us discipline and familiarised us with the purity, sanctity and rituals of this festival. The new generation has embraced these values and carried them forward. This is our great strength,' he said.
Festival as a Nature Worship Tradition
Nabin described Chhath as a festival rooted deeply in the country's cultural heritage, one that strengthens family bonds and collective participation. He noted that devotees worship Lord Bhaskar and Maa Ganga while expressing gratitude for the harvest through offerings of foodgrains, vegetables, fruits and traditional delicacies.
He also observed that people from communities beyond Bihar were increasingly celebrating Chhath with devotion, reflecting the festival's growing pan-India appeal. Responding to critical remarks about the festival, Nabin said he had nothing to say to those making such comments and would simply pray that Chhathi Maiya blessed them as well.
Nabin also described his relationship with the people of his constituency as a lifelong bond, one he said would remain unchanged regardless of the position he held. As Chhath Mahaparva moves into its next phase, public figures and community leaders across Bihar and beyond are expected to continue engaging with devotees through the remaining rituals.
Point of View
Ahead of a state political calendar that never truly goes quiet. His framing of Chhath as a pan-India, even global, cultural force subtly advances a larger civilisational-pride narrative the party has long cultivated. The indirect swipe at festival critics — 'I will pray that Chhathi Maiya blesses them too' — is a carefully calibrated remark that avoids naming opponents while keeping the wedge live. For BJP in Bihar, Chhath is not just religious observance; it is an annual ritual of voter connect.
NationPress
14 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chhath Kharna and why is it significant?
Kharna is the second day of the four-day Chhath Mahaparva, during which devotees prepare and distribute kheer as prasad after a day-long fast. It marks an intensification of the rituals leading up to the main sunset and sunrise arghya offerings.
What did Nitin Nabin do on Chhath Kharna in Patna?
BJP National President Nitin Nabin observed Kharna at his Patna residence on 14 November 2026, partook of the traditional prasad, met party workers, and distributed puja materials at events organised by the Traders' Association at Nala Road and Lalji Tola.
What did Nitin Nabin say about Chhath's spread beyond Bihar?
Nabin credited India's younger generation for taking Chhath to cities like Mumbai and Delhi and to countries including the United States, calling it a sign of cultural strength. He said the older generation had instilled discipline and devotion, which the new generation had carried forward.
How did Nabin respond to critics of the Chhath festival?
Nabin said he had nothing to say to those making negative remarks about Chhath and would simply pray that Chhathi Maiya blessed them as well. The remark was seen as a restrained but pointed response to criticism of the festival.
What is the broader significance of Chhath Mahaparva?
Chhath Mahaparva is a four-day festival of nature worship observed primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Devotees offer gratitude to Lord Bhaskar and Maa Ganga through offerings of foodgrains, vegetables, fruits and traditional delicacies, and the festival has grown into a pan-India cultural event with a global diaspora following.
