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New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) As the four-day festival of Chhath Puja concluded with the sacred offering of ‘Usha Arghya’, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday offered heartfelt prayers to Lord Suryadev and Chhathi Maiya and sought blessings of happiness, prosperity and peace for every household.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta shared on social media platform Example of faith, cleanliness and culture. Jai Chhathi Maiya.”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also greeted the devotees and said, “‘Usha Arghya’ marks the last day of Chhath Puja, which symbolizes new hope, energy and prosperity. Vratis gather at the ghats before sunrise and offer arghya to the rising sun, ending their fast. My heartiest wishes to all the vratis and their families. May the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya bless you. Happiness, peace And with prosperity.”
In another post, Sarma said, “I had the privilege of receiving the blessings of Chhathi Maiya along with the devotees on the occasion of Usha Arghya, the last ritual of Chhath Mahaparva. Jai Surya Bhagwan.”
According to the Hindu calendar, Chhath Puja falls on the sixth day (Shashthi Tithi) of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month, which is usually six days after Diwali. The festival lasts for four days, starting with Nahay Khay and ending with Usha Arghya, a prayer offering to the rising sun.
The festival begins with Nahay Khay (25 October), when devotees take a holy bath and prepare simple food. On the second day, Kharna (26 October), a day-long fast is observed from morning to evening and ends with the offering of rasiya (sweet porridge) and roti. The third day marks Sandhya Arghya, when ‘Nirjala Vrat’ (fasting without water) begins, which continues till the early hours of the fourth day (Usha Arghya).
It is believed that Chhath Puja started in ancient times. According to legend, Lord Ram and Goddess Sita performed the first Chhath Puja after returning to Ayodhya to seek blessings from the Sun God for prosperity.
One of the most important Hindu festivals, Chhath Puja, is 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
JK/SD