LAHAN, Oct 31: People in Terai districts are gearing up for Chhath celebration. They are busy not only in cleaning and decorating ponds, lakes and rivers, but also making ‘Ghats’ along the water sources near their settlements.

People throng the Ghats to offer ‘Argha’ (curd) to the setting Sun God. This year, they are going to perform this ritual on Saturday evening. 

According to Raghunathpur Pokhari Chhath Puja Committee Chairperson Bhuwaneshwar Mahato, people are busy in cleaning, decorating and setting up Pandal (stage). “The preparations for arranging accommodation and security for the devotees thronging for Chhath Puja is in the final stage,” Mahato told Republica Online. 

Similarly, Chief at Area Police Office, Lahan Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Bheshraj Rijal informed that police have finalized security arrangements for Chhath festival. 

Chhath begins right after Tihar festival every year. On the first day, Chhath observers perform rituals while taking bath and then eat only one meal for the day. This day is commonly known as the 'Nahay Khay din' (bath and eating day) in Bhojpuri language. This year, people observed 'Nahay Khay' on Thursday.

Next day, they eat a little in the morning and then start 36 - hour-long fast of Chhath.

On the third day, this year on Saturday evening, the Chhath observers go to riverbanks and other water sources for worshipping the evening sun. Here they will offer ‘Saujhaka Argha’ (puja to the setting sun) and wait until Sunday morning to break their fast after offering ‘Bhoraka Argha’ (puja to the rising sun).

 
• Chhath
 
• preparation
 
• argha
 
• setting_sun
 
• rising_sun