Chhath Puja Begins with Traditional Nahay-Khay Ritual

The four-day Chhath Puja festival commenced across Bihar on Friday with the observance of Nahay-Khay, marking the beginning of one of the most significant religious celebrations dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

On the opening day, devotees begin their preparations by taking a ritual bath and thoroughly cleaning their homes. Maintaining cleanliness and purity is considered essential throughout the festival.

A special traditional meal featuring rice, pumpkin curry (kaddu ki sabzi) and chana dal is prepared for the occasion. The food is first offered as bhog to Chhathi Maiya, after which the devotees observing the fast consume the prasad, followed by other family members.

Nahay-Khay marks the beginning of a series of strict religious observances that continue over the next three days, culminating in the offering of Arghya to the rising Sun on the final morning.

Chhath Puja holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, symbolising gratitude towards the Sun for sustaining life and celebrating the bond between nature, faith and human existence.