KATHMANDU, Oct 30: The main ritual of the four-day Chhath festival is being observed today by worshiping and making offerings to the setting sun. 

The Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God is observed for four days. 

The devotees celebrate the Chhath festival around the ponds, lakes and rivers including Gangasagar, Dhanushsagar, Ramsagar, Ratnasagar, Biharkunda, Rukmini Sarobar, Argaza, Maharajsagar and Agnikunda, among others. In the Kathmandu Valley, the festival is celebrated around Ranipokhari and Gaurighat, Kupondole. 

A holy dip into rivers, fasting, abstaining from even drinking water and the maintenance of purity and cleanliness are parts of the rigorous Chhath rituals. 

The main rituals of the festival, observed in succession in a period of four days, include the arba-arbain, kharana, offering argha to the setting sun and offering argha to the rising sun. 

As per the beliefs associated with the festival, one who fasts and prays Chhati Maiya, wife of Sun, would be showered with blessings and their wishes would come true. Although it is celebrated mainly in the southern plains, Chhath nowadays is also observed in the hilly regions of Nepal.

 
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