Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the nation on the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja on Sunday.
In a tweet in Hindi, Modi wrote: “Hearty greetings to all the countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Chhath, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and nature. I wish that everyone’s life gets illuminated with the blessings of Lord Sun’s aura and Chhathi Maiya.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Greets Nation on Occasion of Chhath Puja
© Photo : Twitter/ @narendramodi
Indian President Droupadi Murmu also extended her "hearty greetings to the people on the occasion of Chhath Puja."
"It is a day to pray to the Sun God and a unique example of expressing gratitude towards nature. I pray to Chhathi Maiyya for happiness, peace, and prosperity in everyone's life,” she tweeted.
President Droupadi Murmu Wishes for Happiness, Peace and Prosperity of Everyone on Occasion of Chhath Puja
© Photo : Twitter/@rashtrapatibhvn
They were joined by Federal Home Minister Amit Shah, who also extended his greetings to the people:: “May Chhath Maya bless everyone with happiness, peace, prosperity and health.”
Preparations for Chhath Puja begin a day after the festival of light, Diwali, as devotees start eating food without onion or garlic, prepare meals with utmost hygiene and eat only after taking a bath.
During the four-day festival, women observe a rigorous fast and pray to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya (Goddess Chhathi) for their families' and children's well-being and prosperity.
This year the festival began with Nahay Khay on October 28, followed by Kharna on October 29, Chhath Puja on October 30 (Sunday) and Usha Arghya on October 31.
A Devotee Shared Photo of Women Worshipping Sun God and Taking Dip in River
© Photo : Twitter/@Sonali09718632
On the first day of the festival, people who observe fast wake up early in the morning to worship the Sun God before eating anything. On the second day, people observing fast don’t eat anything or drink water until they offer special sweets made of milk and jiggery to God in the evening.
On the third day, people prepare a special meal and in the evening families accompany the devotees observing the fast to riverbank, pond or any water body to offer the special meal along with holy water of River Ganga to the setting sun.
On the last day, the devotees offer holy water of River Ganga to the rising sun and seek protection of children, as well as peace and happiness for the entire family from the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Then, the devotees drink water and eat prasad, a devotional offering made to a god, in order to break fast.