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New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday shared a video message on the occasion of Chhath Puja, extending greetings to all devotees. He said, “Raua Sab Par Chhathi Maiya Ke Kripa Banal Rahe (May Chhathi Maiya’s blessings be upon you all).”
CM Yogi said on his official social media handle ‘X’, “I extend my hearty wishes to everyone on Chhath Puja. May Chhathi Maiya bless everyone. My special wishes to all those mothers and sisters who observe this difficult fast for the well-being of their families.”
Explaining the significance of the festival, he said, “Chhath Puja is a confluence of faith and discipline. Through Surya Upasana (worship of the Sun God), it gives the message of light, energy and balance. It is not just a festival; it is the soul of our culture. May all the devotees observing the fast be blessed with success, health, wealth and happiness. May this sacred tradition continue for generations to come.”
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to devotees across the country on the occasion of Nahay Khay, marking the beginning of the four-day Chhath Puja.
Prime Minister Modi social media platform
PM Modi said, “This great festival of our culture is a symbol of simplicity and restraint, its purity and adherence to discipline is incomparable. The scenes seen at Chhath Ghats on this holy occasion provide a wonderful inspiration for family and social harmony. The ancient tradition of Chhath has had a deep impact on our society.”
He further wished that Chhathi Maiya bestows her abundant blessings on everyone.
He said, “Today, Chhath is celebrated as a major cultural festival in every corner of the world. Indian families across the world participate wholeheartedly in its traditions. I wish that Chhath Maiya continues to shower her abundant blessings on everyone.”
PM Modi further said that Chhath festival is a unique confluence of faith, worship and love for nature.
PM Modi said, “Chhath Mahaparva is a unique confluence of faith, worship and love for nature. While Arghya is offered to the setting and rising sun, the Arghya also includes the diverse colors of nature. The songs and tunes of Chhath Puja are also imbued with the unique feeling of devotion and love for nature.”
He further recalled that late Sharda Sinha, the nightingale of Bihar, had a deep connection with Begusarai.
PM Modi said, “I was lucky that I got the opportunity to visit Begusarai just yesterday. Bihar’s nightingale, Sharda Sinha, had a deep connection with Begusarai. Sharda Sinha and many other folk artists of Bihar have added a unique touch to the Chhath festival through their songs.”
PM Modi further also shared a song of Sharda Sinha, who died during the Chhath festival last year.
He said, “Today on this great festival, I am sharing with you such songs of Chhathi Maiya, listening to which everyone will be mesmerized.”
On the first day, devotees, known as ‘Vrati’ (people who fast)’, take a holy dip in rivers or ponds and after offering prayers, consume a simple, ‘satvik (possessing the qualities of purity, harmony and balance)’ food of arava rice (plain rice) and bottle gourd curry (gourd vegetable). Other traditional food items like chana dal, amla chutney and papad are prepared and later served as ‘Prasad (ritual food offering)’.
Mass gatherings are expected at various bathing ghats across the country, where thousands of devotees will participate in the rituals with unwavering faith.
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.
Chhath Puja is one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is also celebrated in some parts of Nepal and among Indian communities around the world.
–IANS