New Delhi, Oct 25 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday conveyed his warm wishes to devotees nationwide on the occasion of Nahay Khaay, which signifies the start of the four-day-long Chhath Puja.

Using the social media platform X, PM Modi expressed, “The Chhath festival commences today with sacred rituals of bathing and feasting. I extend my heartfelt greetings to devotees throughout the nation, particularly in Bihar. I offer my respect and salutations to all those observing the fast.”

“This magnificent cultural festival embodies simplicity and self-discipline, and its purity and commitment to tradition are unparalleled. The scenes at the Chhath Ghats during this sacred time provide a fantastic inspiration for familial and social unity. The ancient practice of Chhath has significantly influenced our society,” PM Modi stated.

He further expressed his hopes that Chhathi Maiya showers her abundant blessings upon everyone.

“Today, Chhath is recognized as a major cultural event globally. Indian families around the world actively engage in its rituals. I wish that Chhathi Maiya bestows her generous blessings on all,” he added.

PM Modi elaborated that Chhath Mahaparva represents a unique blend of devotion, worship, and respect for nature.

“Chhath Mahaparva is an extraordinary amalgamation of faith, reverence, and love for the environment. While offerings are made to the setting and rising Sun, they also reflect the diverse hues of nature. The melodies and songs accompanying Chhath Puja are filled with an exceptional sense of devotion and love for nature,” he remarked.

He reminisced about the late Sharda Sinha, revered as Bihar's Nightingale, who had a deep connection with Begusarai.

“I had the privilege of visiting Begusarai just yesterday. Bihar's Nightingale, Sharda Sinha, shared a profound bond with Begusarai. She, along with many other folk artists from Bihar, has contributed a unique flavor to the Chhath festival through their songs,” PM Modi noted.

He also shared a song from Sharda Sinha, who passed away during the Chhath festival last year.

“On this auspicious day, I am sharing with you songs of Chhathi Maiya that will enchant everyone,” he added.

On the festival's first day, devotees, known as 'Vratis', take a holy dip in rivers or ponds and partake in a simple, 'sattvic' meal of arwa chawal (plain rice) and lauki ki sabzi (bottle gourd curry) after offering prayers. Other traditional dishes like chana dal, amla chutney, and papad are prepared and later served as 'prasad'.

Mass gatherings are anticipated at various bathing ghats across the country, where thousands of devotees will participate in the rituals with unwavering faith.

With origins dating back to the Satyuga and Dwapara Yuga, Chhath Puja is celebrated as one of the oldest forms of Sun worship. Devotees engage in strict fasting, abstaining from food and water for prolonged periods to demonstrate devotion and seek blessings of prosperity, health, and happiness. Worshipping Surya during Chhath is believed to dispel negativity and usher in peace and positivity.

Chhath Puja is one of the most pivotal Hindu festivals, predominantly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is also commemorated in parts of Nepal and among Indian communities globally.

Dedicated to honoring the Sun god and his sister Chhathi Maiya, the festival emphasizes purity, gratitude, and family well-being.

The four-day celebration includes elaborate rituals symbolizing purification, faith, and self-discipline:

Day 1 – Nahai Khai: The festival kicks off with devotees cleansing themselves in a river or pond. They bring vegetables and pulses to prepare the first offerings, highlighting cleanliness and sanctity.

Day 2 – Kharna: On this day, devotees maintain a strict fast from dawn to dusk, preparing offerings of jaggery, rice, and wheat, breaking their fast in the evening after making offerings to the deity. The 'prasad' is shared with family, friends, and neighbors to foster unity and community spirit.

Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya: In the evening, devotees congregate near water bodies to offer 'arghya' (prayers and offerings) to the setting Sun, presenting fruits, sugarcane, and prasad to express gratitude for the Sun god's sustenance.

Day 4 – Usha Arghya: The concluding day is dedicated to offering prayers to the rising Sun. Devotees break their fast after making offerings, symbolizing renewal and spiritual rebirth. The prasad is distributed among family and community members, marking the culmination of the rituals.

Chhath Puja is celebrated with simplicity, devotion, and purity. The offerings, including fruits, vegetables, and sweets, represent nature's gifts, while fasting and prayers signify the devotees' commitment to cleanse their body, mind, and soul. The essence of Chhath Puja is gratitude, promoting respect for natural resources and a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.