Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], November 7 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai extended his wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of Chhath Puja.
Speaking to reporters, CM Sai said, "I participated in the Chhath Maha Parva organised at Mahadev Ghat on the Kharun River and performed the aarti of Lord Shiva and Ganga Maiyya here. I wish all the people of Chhattisgarh a very happy Chhath..."
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his greetings, wishing happiness, prosperity, and good fortune to all.
"My best wishes to all of you on the holy occasion of Chhath Sandhya Arghya. May this great festival, a symbol of simplicity, restraint, determination, and dedication, bring happiness, prosperity, and good fortune to everyone's life," PM Modi posted on X.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also shared warm wishes, expressing hope that the festival would bring new energy and strength to everyone's lives. "Heartiest greetings on Chhath Puja, the great festival of sun worship and folk faith. I hope this festival brings new energy and strength in the lives of all of you," Rahul Gandhi posted on X.
President Droupadi Murmu extended warm wishes, saying, "On the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja, the holy festival of faith, fasting, and devotion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and warm wishes to all my fellow citizens."
The President highlighted that Chhath Puja, one of the oldest festivals in the country, is an occasion to worship the Sun. "This festival also celebrates rivers and ponds, the unique gifts of nature. Through rigorous fasting, it purifies our minds and souls, inspiring us to protect and preserve the environment. On the occasion of Chhath Puja, let us reaffirm our faith in Bhagwan Surya, our rivers, and the bounty of nature. May this festival bring happiness to our lives and deepen our reverence for nature," President Murmu said.
Chhath Puja is widely celebrated across India, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Devotees in these states, as well as in Delhi, began rituals early Tuesday morning at the Yamuna and Ganga ghats.
The festival commences with Nahay-Khay on the Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, focusing on purification and preparation, followed by Kharna on Panchami Tithi, Chhath Puja on Sashti, and concludes with Usha Arghya on Saptami Tithi.
The festivities will conclude on November 8. (ANI)