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New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday greeted the people of the state and the country on the first day of Chhath Puja and prayed to Lord ‘Bhaskar’ (Sun) for the progress, happiness, peace and prosperity of the state.
CM Nitish wrote on social media platform May there be progress, happiness, peace and prosperity of the state.”
Union Food Processing Industries Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan also greeted the people and said, “Hearty greetings to everyone on the occasion of ‘Nahay-Khay’ of Chhath Puja, a celebration of tradition, faith and social harmony. I pray to Chhathi Maiya for everyone’s happiness and prosperity.”
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary also shared his message on ‘X’ and wrote, “Heartiest greetings to all the Chhathvartis of ‘Nahay-Khay’ on the first day of the great festival of folk faith, Chhath Puja. May everyone be blessed with happiness, prosperity and health by the blessings of Chhathi Maiya. Jai Chhathi Maiya.”
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, while wishing on social media, said, “Heartiest greetings to you and your family on the first day of Chhath Puja, the great festival of folk faith, world famous for the worship of nature. May Chhathi Maiya fulfill all your wishes.”
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also extended good wishes through ‘X’.
AAP chief Kejriwal posted, “Chhath, the great festival of folk faith, is starting today with Nahay-Khay. Salute to the devotion, dedication and faith of all the devotees. May Lord Bhaskar and Chhathi Maiya bless everyone’s life with happiness, prosperity and health.”
On the first day, devotees, known as ‘Vrati’ (people fasting), take a holy dip in rivers or ponds and after offering prayers, eat a simple, ‘Satvik’ (possessing the qualities of purity, harmony and balance) meal of arava rice (plain rice) and bottle gourd vegetable. Other traditional food items like chana dal, amla chutney and papad are prepared and later served as ‘Prasad (ritual food offering)’.
Chhath Puja has its roots in Satyayuga and Dwapar Yuga, considered to be one of the oldest forms of Sun worship. Devotees observe a strict fast, abstaining from food and water for long periods of time, to express devotion and seek blessings of prosperity, health and happiness. It is believed that worshiping the Sun during Chhath removes negativity and brings peace and positivity.
–IANS