Dr. Jitendra Singh Extends Chhath Puja Sandhya Arghya Wishes
Synopsis
Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh extended heartfelt greetings on the Sandhya Arghya of Chhath Puja 2026, invoking the blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya and describing the festival as a symbol of faith, devotion, and reverence for nature.
Key Takeaways
Jitendra Singh posted Chhath Puja greetings on 15 November 2026 .
The message focused on the third-day Sandhya Arghya ritual — the sunset oblation, Chhath's devotional centrepiece.
He invoked blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya for happiness, peace, and prosperity for all citizens.
The Minister characterised Chhath as a symbol of 'faith, devotion, and dedication to nature.' Chhath Puja has grown from a Bihar-Jharkhand-eastern UP tradition into a pan-India and global celebration.
As millions of devotees stood at riverbanks and water bodies across India and the world on Sunday, 15 November 2026, wading into setting-sun reflections for the sacred Sandhya Arghya ritual, Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh joined the nation in spirit — extending warm greetings on the third and most visually arresting day of Chhath Puja.
Posting on X, the Minister conveyed: 'सभी देशवासियों को पावन पर्व छठ पूजा के तीसरे दिन संध्या अर्घ्य की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ' — 'Heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens on the Sandhya Arghya of the third day of the sacred festival of Chhath Puja.' He invoked the blessings of Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, praying that the festival bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to every household.
Sandhya Arghya — the heart of Chhath
Chhath Puja is a four-day observance rooted in the Vedic tradition of sun worship. The third day — Sandhya Arghya — is its emotional and devotional centrepiece: fasting devotees, predominantly women, offer the first arghya (sacred oblation of water, milk, and seasonal fruits) to the setting sun, standing knee-deep in rivers, ponds, and ghats. The Minister described the festival as a symbol of 'faith, devotion, and dedication to nature' — a characterisation that reflects its distinctive eco-conscious character, free of idol worship, performed entirely in the open under the sky.
A festival that travels with its people
What began as a predominantly Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh tradition has, through decades of migration, become a pan-Indian — and now global — celebration. Ghats in Delhi, Mumbai, and cities across the Indian diaspora fill with lakhs of worshippers every year, making Chhath one of the most geographically expansive folk festivals in the world. Dr. Singh's greeting, addressed to 'all fellow citizens,' reflects that widened reach.
Point of View
Reflecting the festival's growing electoral and cultural weight beyond its traditional Bihar-Jharkhand heartland. Dr. Singh's framing of the festival as a symbol of 'dedication to nature' subtly aligns a folk tradition with broader environmental consciousness — a soft but deliberate rhetorical choice. As Chhath devotees multiply in urban migrant belts from Delhi to Mumbai, politicians across the spectrum compete to visibly associate with the celebration. The gesture is ceremonial, but the constituency it speaks to is very real.
NationPress
15 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sandhya Arghya in Chhath Puja?
Sandhya Arghya is the third-day evening ritual of Chhath Puja where fasting devotees offer a sacred oblation of water, milk, and fruits to the setting sun while standing in a water body. It is considered the most important and visually striking moment of the four-day festival.
When is Chhath Puja Sandhya Arghya in 2026?
In 2026, the Sandhya Arghya falls on 15 November , the third day of the Chhath Puja observance, when devotees gather at riverbanks and ghats at sunset.
Why did Dr. Jitendra Singh post Chhath Puja greetings?
As a Union Cabinet Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh extended Chhath Puja wishes to mark the Sandhya Arghya, invoking blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya for peace and prosperity for all Indians.
Which states celebrate Chhath Puja most prominently?
Chhath Puja is most prominent in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh , but due to large-scale migration it is now widely celebrated in Delhi, Mumbai, and among the Indian diaspora worldwide.
What does Chhath Puja represent culturally?
Chhath Puja is a Vedic sun-worship tradition symbolising faith, devotion, and reverence for nature. It is unique for being performed entirely outdoors with no idol worship, making it one of India's most eco-conscious festivals.
