Chhath festival starts

The rituals associated with the Chhath festival have commenced today, marking a significant cultural and religious celebration dedicated to the "Sun God." This festival highlights humanity's gratitude toward nature and reveres the sun through various rituals and offerings.

The main rituals are conducted over four days and include arba-arbain, kharana, and the offerings of argha to both the setting and rising sun. Today, devotees observe the arba-arbain ritual, also known as nahaya-khaya, during which they begin their fast, abstaining from meat, fish, onions, garlic, millet, and yellow lentils. Early in the morning, devotees take holy dips in ponds and rivers before starting their fast.

On the second day, Panchami, the kharana ritual symbolizes the “dilution of sins.” The area where the Chhath rituals take place is cleansed with a mixture of cow dung and water, and a paste made from Arba rice flour and holy water is sprinkled over the site to consecrate the altar. Devotees maintain a strict fast, refraining from drinking water, and offer payas (rice pudding) to the moon after moonrise.

The third day, Shasthi, involves preparing various delicacies from rice and wheat flour, ground using traditional tools. Family members gather at the designated water body, bringing an array of offerings while singing devotional and folk songs. Offerings include treats like thakuwa, bhusawa, khajuri, and perukiya, along with fruits such as coconut, oranges, and bananas, all carried in large baskets. Before placing the offerings on the bank, devotees prostrate five times and draw ‘aripan’ sketches to sanctify the area. They then enter the water to worship the setting sun with their offerings.

The fourth and final day of Chhath features parvan rituals. Devotees return to the pond or riverbank early in the morning to repeat the previous evening’s rituals, offering argha to the rising sun. After completing the offerings, they listen to priests chanting from the Surya Purana scripture and recounting stories related to Chhath fasting.

Originally celebrated in the Mithila region, the Chhath festival has gained popularity in hilly areas and throughout Nepali society.