Chhath festival begins with Nahay Khay rituals

The annual festival dedicated to the sun god and Shashthi Devi has officially begun, marking a period of intense devotion and community participation across the region. Participants engage in a rigorous four-day schedule of traditional rituals, beginning with the purification rites and the consumption of pure vegetarian meals on the opening day. Local residents have actively engaged in preparations, cleaning areas and constructing riverbank gathering spaces to welcome the worshippers. Following the initial day known as Nahay Khay, the observance proceeds to Kharna on the second day. The third day features the offering of oblations to the setting sun at riverbanks and water bodies, while the fourth and final day concludes the festival after devotees offer their prayers to the rising sun in the early morning hours. A notable aspect of the celebrations is the suspension of all social, class and community divisions. People from diverse backgrounds gather together at the same festival sites to worship the sun god collectively. Reports note that individuals cast aside old grievances and disputes, participating with mutual respect and devotion regardless of their economic standing. Preparations involve community members of all ages, with youths particularly active in building the ritual sites and assisting worshippers. The collective engagement highlights the cultural significance of the observance, bringing populations together in shared devotion and traditional practices as local families prepare their offerings.