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New Delhi, Oct 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended his warm wishes on the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja and described the festival as a “beautiful example” of India’s social unity where people from all sections of the society come together to pray.
Chhath Puja, a four-day festival of faith and devotion, began on Saturday with the sacred ritual of ‘Nahay-Khay’. Dedicated to the Sun God, this festival symbolizes harmony, purity, gratitude and discipline between nature and humanity.
On Sunday, people are celebrating the second day of the festival, known as ‘Kharna’. During this day, devotees fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from both food and water. The fast is broken only after offering Arghya to the Sun God at sunset.
Addressing the 127th episode of his monthly radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi said, “The entire country is now filled with festive joy. We all celebrated Diwali a few days ago and now a large number of people are busy with Chhath Puja. ‘Thekua’ is being prepared in homes, ghats are being decorated everywhere and markets are filled with enthusiasm. A mix of devotion, warmth and tradition can be seen everywhere. Is.”
Praising the devotion, he said, “The way women observing Chhath fast prepare for this festival with dedication and sincerity is truly inspiring in itself.”
The Prime Minister also drew a parallel between Chhath Puja and “deep unity” within the society.
He said, “The great festival of Chhath is a reflection of the deep unity between culture, nature and society. People from every section of the society stand together at the Chhath Ghats. This scene is the most beautiful example of social unity of India.”
He urged people to participate in the festival and said, “Wherever you are in the country or the world, if you ever get a chance, do participate in the Chhath festival and experience this unique festival yourself.”
PM Modi said, “I bow to Chhathi Maiya. I wish all the countrymen, especially the people of Bihar, Jharkhand and Purvanchal (eastern Uttar Pradesh), a great festival of Chhath.”
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
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