Nepal UK
Kathmandu - The four-day Chhath Puja, an annual festival celebrated in Nepal’s terai region and northern and eastern India as well as in Nepal, began on Friday.
The first day, known as Nahay Khay, marks the beginning of the festival with a cleansing ritual in preparation for the days ahead. Day two is observed as Kharna, followed by the main Chhath Puja on the third day, and the festival concludes with Usha Arghya—the offering of prayers to the rising sun—on the final day.
For the past few years, people are observing Chhath Puja with devotion in the capital, Kathmandu, and other parts of Nepal as well. Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has informed that it has designated eight different places within the Valley to allow devotees to offer prayers. Various spots along the Bagmati and Bishnumati Rivers, including Gaurighat, Kupondole and Kalimati, as well as ponds including Kamalpokhari, have been fixed in the capital Kathmandu for devotees to come and offer prayers to the sun and Chhathi Maiya.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended his greetings on the occasion of Chhath Puja, describing the festival as a reflection of the “deep unity” between culture, nature, and society. He noted that devotees from all sections of society come together at ghats, which he called the “most beautiful” example of India’s social harmony.
People observe Chhath for their family’s prosperity, progress and good health. They worship the sun to recognise it as the god of energy and life force.
Chhath Puja is known for its strict rituals, including fasting and devotional offerings, to express gratitude to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for sustaining life on Ear
