Devotees Celebrate Chhath Puja in Varanasi with Rituals and Offerings
Chhath Puja begins in Varanasi as devotees perform rituals and offer prayers at the Ganges.
Varanasi, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : The grand festival of Chhath Puja commenced in Varanasi with the ritual of ‘Nahay-Khay’ on November 13. Early in the morning, devotees flocked to the banks of the Ganges to participate in this auspicious occasion. At Assi Ghat, women performing the fast took a holy dip in the river, followed by worshiping at the Chhath altars.
Devotees from various parts of the country, including Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, have arrived in Varanasi to celebrate this significant festival. Known for its strict fasting rituals, Chhath Puja has generated considerable excitement among women. The local municipal corporation has arranged changing rooms for women at the ghats, and safety boards warning against entering deep waters have been installed for the protection of the attendees.
Renowned devotee Renu Kushwaha from Bihar shared her experience, stating, “Today is Nahay-Khay. After bathing in the Ganges, we will build altars and perform rituals. We will also partake in offerings of rice, lauki (bottle gourd) curry, and chana dal. I have been coming to Varanasi for Chhath Puja for many years.”
Another devotee, Archana Jaiswal, explained, “We start by preparing the ghat and the altar for Chhath Maiya. With Nahay-Khay today, the festival begins. I first bathed in the Ganges and then worshiped the altar. I will cook lauki curry, chana dal, and rice at home and begin my fast with this prasad.”
The first day of the four-day Chhath Puja is dedicated to cleanliness, purity, and devotion. Devotees rise early to bathe in sacred rivers, ponds, or at home, often mixing Ganga water into their bathing water. They meticulously clean their homes and kitchens before commencing the festivities.
A special sattvic meal is prepared on this occasion, traditionally consisting of boiled rice, chana dal, and lauki curry. Great care is taken regarding cleanliness and purity during meal preparation, as this marks the beginning of the strict religious observances associated with the festival.
This year, the festival will continue from November 13 to 16. During these four days, rituals such as Nahay-Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya will be performed. The main worship occurs on the sixth day of the waxing phase of the Kartik month, when devotees offer prayers to the setting and rising sun.
