MAHOTTARI, Nov 15: Chhath devotees are offering arghya to the setting sun this evening as part of the major festival rooted in popular faith. Observed on the sixth day of Kartik's bright fortnight, the festival involves devotees observing a waterless fast after completing the Kharana ritual on Saturday evening.
Celebrated over four days in Mithilanchal and other parts of the country, Chhath began last Friday, on Kartik Shukla Chaturthi, with the 'Nahay-Khay' ritual.
On Kartik Shukla Panchami, devotees observe a daylong fast. In the evening, they prepare kheer with jaggery, offer it to the family deity and consume it as prasad. This ritual is known as 'Kharana'. Devotees begin their waterless fast after completing this ritual.
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During Chhath, devotees worship the Sun God and his wife, Shashthi, also known as Chhathi Devi. The first arghya is offered to the setting sun at ghats along rivers, ponds and other sacred water bodies. In Mithila, this ritual is known as 'Sajhiyaarakh' or 'Sajhiyaghat'.
Families prepare traditional festival offerings, including thekua and bhusuwa. Devotees also offer coconuts with their husks, bananas and other fruits to the Sun God.
After the evening offering, devotees traditionally spend the night beside the water, singing songs in praise of Chhathi Devi and the Sun God.
Early Monday morning, before sunrise, they will stand waist-deep in water and wait for the sun to appear. The festival concludes with an arghya offering to the rising sun. In Mithila, this morning ritual is known as 'Bhoraka Arakh' or 'Paaran'.
It is believed that worshipping the Sun God and Chhathi Devi fulfils wishes, brings happiness and prosperity, blesses families with children, and protects devotees from illnesses and diseases.
