MAHOTTARI, April 3 : Mahottari and other districts of the Madhesh region are celebrating Basanta Chhath with great enthusiasm. Commonly known as Chaiti Chhath, this festival has reached its third and main day today, as devotees observe a Nirjala (waterless) fast on the Shashti Tithi (sixth lunar day). They began fasting after completing the Kharna ritual on Wednesday night, when they prepared and ate sugar-sweetened rice pudding (kheer) as prasad.
This evening, devotees will gather at decorated riverbanks and ponds, carry ritual baskets filled with sacred offerings, and offer the first Arghya (obeisance) to the setting sun. In Maithili dialect, this ritual is known as 'Sajhuka Arakh' or 'Sajhiya Ghat'.
Chhath festival being observed today
The festival has transformed the Mithila region into a spiritual and devotional space, with beautifully decorated riverbanks and water bodies. Devotees will conclude the festival tomorrow, Friday, by offering their final Arghya to the rising sun on Saptami Tithi (seventh lunar day). They started the Chhath festival on Tuesday with the Nahai-Khay ritual on Chaturthi Tithi (fourth lunar day) and observed the Kharna ritual on Wednesday night, eating a salt-free meal as part of their fasting.
The Mithila region of Madhesh celebrates Chhath twice a year. People observe Sharadiya Chhath during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of Kartik, while they celebrate Basanta or Chaiti Chhath during the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra. In both versions, devotees worship the Sun God and Goddess Shashthi (commonly known as Chhathi Maiya), following the same rituals. Many believe that observing this fast fulfills their wishes.
Once a festival limited to the Mithila and Terai regions, Chhath has now gained nationwide recognition in Nepal. It has become a symbol of Mithila culture and remains a great festival of faith and devotion.