Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar performed the concluding rituals of Chhath Puja on Tuesday morning by offering Usha Arghya (morning prayers) to the rising Sun, accompanied by his family, at his official residence in Patna. The event marked the culmination of the four-day festival, one of the most revered Hindu celebrations, observed with devotion across Bihar and several other states.
Devotees Across States Celebrate Usha Arghya
Chhath Puja, which occurs annually after Diwali, is dedicated to expressing gratitude to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for blessings of health, prosperity, and well-being. On the final day, large numbers of devotees gathered at riverbanks, ponds, and water bodies in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Maharashtra to perform the Usha Arghya rituals. Visuals from various locations showed women standing knee-deep in water, offering prayers as the first rays of the sun touched the horizon.
Four Days of Devotion and Fasting
This year, the Chhath Puja celebrations commenced on October 25 with Nahay-Khay, the first day of the festival. Devotees took a holy dip in sacred waters and prepared a simple meal as part of the ritual. The second day, Kharna (October 26), involved a day-long fast, which concluded with offerings of rasiya (sweet porridge) and roti.
The third day, Sandhya Arghya (October 27), marked the beginning of the nirjala vrat, a rigorous fast without water, continuing until the morning of the fourth day. The festival concluded on October 28 with Usha Arghya, where devotees offered morning prayers to the rising sun in reverence.
According to the Hindu calendar, Chhath Puja is observed on the sixth day (Shashthi Tithi) of the Kartik month’s Shukla Paksha, which falls six days after Diwali.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Chhath Puja is believed to have ancient origins, with legends stating that Lord Rama and Goddess Sita performed the first Chhath Puja upon returning to Ayodhya, seeking blessings from the Sun God for prosperity. The festival holds immense cultural and spiritual significance, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, while also being celebrated in parts of Nepal and by Indian diaspora communities worldwide.
National Greetings from the Prime Minister
On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the nation. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said:
“The auspicious conclusion of the great festival of Chhath came today with the morning offering of prayers to Lord Surya. During this four-day ritual, we witnessed the divine manifestation of our grand tradition of Chhath Puja. Heartfelt greetings to all devotees, worshippers, and family members who became a part of this sacred celebration! May the infinite grace of Chhathi Maiya forever illuminate your lives.”
