Patna, 25 October . As soon as Chhath, the great festival of folk faith, begins, there is an atmosphere of joy among the NRIs settled in the country and abroad along with the state. The echo of Chhath Maiya songs has started being heard in every village and city. This festival of devotion, cleanliness and restraint is creating a devotional atmosphere everywhere.

This four-day long festival is starting today on 25th October with Nahay-Khaay. On this day, fasting people take bath in the morning, clean their houses and eat satvik food. Traditionally the fast starts by taking Prasad of pumpkin, rice and gram dal. With this the preparations for Chhath begin.

The ritual of Kharna will take place on 26 October. On this day, devotees observe waterless fast for the whole day and after sunset, take prasad of kheer and roti made of jaggery and milk. With Kharna, a rigorous 36-hour fast begins, in which the devotees observe a continuous fast without consuming water.

After this, evening Arghya will be organized on 27th October. Devotees will reach the ghats along with their families to offer prayers to the setting sun. The atmosphere on the ghats will be filled with faith and harmony with folk songs, beats of dholak and lighting of lamps. Women will dress up in traditional clothes and offer Arghya. Ultimately, this great festival will conclude with offering Arghya to the rising Lord Bhaskar on the morning of 28th October.

With the arrival of Chhath, tremendous excitement is being seen in the markets. There is a rush of buyers at the shops selling fruits, reed, coconut, soup, baskets, lamps and puja items. The fragrance of Thekua and Prasad is spread in the houses. Women are busy preparing for the festival by singing Chhath songs. The movement of customers has also increased at shops selling clothes, utensils and decorative items.

In view of Chhath festival, the district administration has made special arrangements for security and cleanliness at the ghats. Arrangements for cleaning, lighting and drinking water of the ghats are being made by the Municipal Corporation. Tight security arrangements are being made with the deployment of NDRF and police forces.

This festival is not only a ritual of sun worship but also a medium to express gratitude towards nature, environment and life. This festival, which gives the message of family reunion, spirit of collectivity and environmental protection, is a wonderful symbol of the culture and tradition of Bihar.

Truth be told, the arrival of Chhath festival has colored the entire Bihar in the colors of faith, devotion and culture. The preparations for the ghats, the melodious sound of folk songs and the chanting of Chhathi Maiya in the courtyard have made the atmosphere completely Chhathi-like.

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/ Surbhit Dutt