Auspicious four-day Chhath Puja commences with 'Nahai-Khai' | Pics

The annual Chhath Puja festival started with devotees embarking on a four-day long and strict spiritual observance. Also known as Surya Shashti, the major Hindu festival celebrates the Sun god and is widely celebrated in north Indian belt, especially in states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. The festival starts with 'Nahai-Khai' - the ritual to eat ‘Kaddu-Chawal’ (rice and pumpkin) on day one, observing day-long fast, preparing prasad (offerings) and ending the festival with praying to setting and rising Sun while taking a dip in a water body. In addition to Sun god, people also pray to Chhathi Maiya for their families well being, prosperity and and progress.

Published on: Oct 28, 2022 12:28 PM IST

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Women purchase bottle gourd at a vegetable market for 'Nahai-Khai' ritual in Bihar. The origin of this festival dates back to Ramayana. Some legends also say that Mahabharata's Karna - king of Anga - modern day Bhagalpur in Bihar - also performed Chhath puja and so did Pandavas and Draupadi. (Santosh Kumar/ Hindustan Times)

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People making preparations for the Chhath puja in Lucknow on Thursday. On the second day of the festival - 'Kharna' - is observed when devotees observe day long fast and break it after worshipping mother Earth in the evening. Offerings made to god include rice pudding (kheer) and fruits. (Deepak Gupta/HT Photo)

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Devotees shop for puja materials ahead of Chhath puja festival, in Ranchi Jharkhand. The night of third day witnesses a colourful event called Kosi - a canopy is made from sugarcane stick and lighted earthen lamps are placed inside it with baskets of prasad. (ANI)

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A team of Delhi Jal Board sprays chemical into Yamuna to dissolve the toxic foam seen on the surface of the river as part of preparations ahead of Chhath puja in Delhi.

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Every year on Chhath puja, a huge rush is observed as people return to their hometowns for the festival. To facilitate travelling convenience, the government runs many special trains during this time. This year over 250 special trains have been availed to manage the extra rush. (ANI)