KATHMANDU, Nov 7: Chhath, the festival of purity, goodwill and faith, is being celebrated with great enthusiasm today. In the Mithila region, including Mahottari, the Chhath festival is in full swing today. On this third and main day of Chhath, devotees observe a strict fast without consuming food or water.
On Panchami, after completing the ‘Kharna; ritual before midnight on Wednesday and consuming sweetened rice pudding (kheer) as a sacred offering, devotees begin their fast without food or water. This evening, they will carry baskets filled with various offerings to the beautifully decorated banks of holy water bodies and present the first offering (arghya) to the setting sun. In the local Mithila dialect, this ritual is known as ‘Sajuka Arakh’ or ‘Sajhiya Ghat’.
The main ritual of this festival begins this evening with worship and offerings to the setting sun.
Sastodeal brings ‘Maha Chhath Festival’ on the occasion of Chha...
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Traditionally observed in the Terai districts, Chhath has also gained popularity in the hilly and mountainous regions, including the Kathmandu Valley, in recent years.
During the festival, devotees take a holy bath while fasting and worship the sun, standing in water, and offering Prasad and Argha to the setting sun.
In Janakpurdham, celebrations are underway with large gatherings at local historical ponds such as Ganga Sagar, Dhanus Sagar, Ram Sagar, Ratna Sagar, Bihar Kunda, Argaja, Maharaj Sagar, and Agni Kunda.
The Chhath festival will conclude formally on Friday, the day of Saptami, after devotees offer ‘arghya’ to the rising sun in the morning.
Preparations have included bamboo fencing, banana trees, and colorful lighting to create a festive atmosphere.
