New Delhi, Oct 25 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, shared a heartfelt video message this Saturday to commemorate Chhath Puja, offering his warm wishes to all worshippers. He expressed, "Raua Sab Par Chhathi Maiya Ke Kripa Banal Rahe (May the blessings of Chhathi Maiya be upon you all)."

Posting on his verified social media account on ‘X’, CM Yogi expressed, “I sincerely wish everyone a joyous Chhath Puja. Raua Sab Par Chhathi Maiya Ke Kripa Banal Rahe. Special greetings to all mothers and sisters who undertake this challenging fast for the welfare of their families.”

He elaborated on the festival's significance, stating, “Chhath Puja represents the merger of faith and discipline. Through Surya Upasana (worship of the Sun God), it embodies a message of illumination, vitality, and equilibrium. This isn’t just a festival; it is the essence of our culture. May all devotees participating in the fast receive blessings of success, health, wealth, and joy. Let this sacred tradition endure across generations.”

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his warm regards to devotees nationwide to mark the start of Nahay Khaay, which begins the four-day Chhath Puja.

On social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi stated, “The four-day Chhath festival commences today with the vital traditions of bathing and feasting. My heartfelt wishes to devotees throughout the nation, particularly in Bihar. I salute and honor all those who are fasting.”

“This grand festival of our culture epitomizes simplicity and restraint; its purity and commitment to discipline are unmatched. The scenes observed at the Chhath Ghats during this auspicious occasion provide rich inspiration for familial and social harmony. The age-old tradition of Chhath has significantly shaped our society,” PM Modi continued.

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

“Today, Chhath is recognized as a major cultural celebration worldwide. Indian families globally engage wholeheartedly in its traditions. I hope that Chhathi Maiya grants her generous blessings to all,” he added.

PM Modi went on to describe Chhath Mahaparva as a distinctive amalgamation of faith, worship, and reverence for nature.

“Chhath Mahaparva is a remarkable intersection of faith, devotion, and love for nature. While offerings are presented to the setting and rising Sun, they also reflect the diverse hues of nature. The melodies associated with Chhath Puja are infused with a unique sense of devotion and love for the environment,” PM Modi remarked.

He recalled Bihar’s Nightingale, the late Sharda Sinha, who had a special bond with Begusarai.

“I was fortunate to visit Begusarai just yesterday. Bihar’s Nightingale, Sharda Sinha, had deep ties to Begusarai. Sharda Sinha and many other folk artists from Bihar have added a distinct flavor to the Chhath festival through their songs,” PM Modi said.

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

“Today, on this magnificent festival, I’m sharing songs of Chhathi Maiya that will captivate everyone,” he added.

On the first day, those fasting, referred to as 'Vratis,' take a holy dip in rivers or ponds and consume a simple, 'sattvic' meal of arwa chawal (plain rice) and lauki ki sabzi (bottle gourd curry) following their prayers. Other traditional dishes like chana dal, amla chutney, and papad are prepared and subsequently served as 'prasad' (ritual food offering).

Mass congregations are anticipated at various bathing ghats nationwide, where thousands of devotees will engage in the rituals with unwavering faith.

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

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