Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday extended their warm greetings to people across the country on the occasion of Chhath Puja, wishing that the sacred festival bring happiness, energy, and prosperity to everyone’s lives.
To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Modi also shared devotional songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, “Heartfelt greetings to my fellow citizens across the country on the occasion of Sandhya Arghya during the grand festival of Chhath. Our tradition of offering arghya* (obeisance) to the setting sun on this auspicious day is truly unique. May the blessings of the Sun God bring welfare, happiness, prosperity, and success to everyone’s life. Jai Chhathi Maiya!”
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah also conveyed his best wishes, expressing hope that the festival would bring joy, enthusiasm, and prosperity to all.
In a post on X, Shah said, “Heartiest greetings on the auspicious occasion of Chhath festival. May this great festival filled with joy, enthusiasm, and happiness bring new energy and prosperity in the lives of all. May the blessings of Chhathi Maiya remain on everyone.”
The four-day festival, dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, began today with devotees, known as Vratis, observing rituals with deep faith and devotion. On the first day, devotees take a holy dip in rivers or ponds and consume a simple sattvic* meal of arwa chawal (plain rice) and lauki ki sabzi (bottle gourd curry) after offering prayers. Traditional dishes such as *chana dal*, *amla chutney*, and papad are also prepared and served as prasad (ritual offering).
Celebrated with simplicity and purity, Chhath Puja highlights devotion, gratitude, and respect for nature. The offerings of fruits, vegetables, and sweets symbolize the gifts of nature, while fasting and prayers reflect the devotees’ resolve to purify the body, mind, and soul. The festival underscores harmony between humankind and the environment and is also known as Pratihar Shashthi.
Chhath Mahaparva, dedicated to the Sun God and Goddess Chhathi Maiya, is among India’s oldest and most significant festivals. It is celebrated widely in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, as well as among diaspora communities in Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, the UAE, and the Netherlands. Known for its ecological and egalitarian ethos, the festival promotes reverence for nature, sustainability, inclusivity, and community spirit, transcending barriers of caste, creed, and religion.