Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Extend Greetings for Chhath Puja, Pray for Devotees Prosperity

New Delhi, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : Leaders of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, offered their heartfelt wishes to the nation on the occasion of Chhath Puja. They prayed for the prosperity and well-being of all devotees participating in the festivities.

Rahul Gandhi took to the social media platform X to share his wishes, stating, “Wishing everyone a very happy Chhath Puja. May this grand festival of sun worship illuminate your lives and bring new energy.”

Priyanka Gandhi also joined in the celebrations, expressing her wishes for the sacred occasion. She wrote, “Warm greetings on the grand festival of Chhath Puja dedicated to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. I bow to all the devotees on this auspicious occasion. May Chhathi Ma bless you all with happiness, prosperity, and good fortune.”

Chhath Puja, a significant festival rooted in public faith, is currently in its most important phase. Devotees are deeply immersed in devotion, preparing to offer the first ‘arghya’ (evening offering) to the setting sun on Sunday evening. This four-day festival will conclude with the offering to the rising sun on Monday morning.

Devotees are observing a rigorous ‘nirjala’ fast lasting 36 hours, dedicating themselves to the worship of Lord Surya. On Saturday, those observing the fast performed the ‘Kharna’ ritual, preparing traditional offerings that included ‘rasia,’ ‘kheer,’ and ‘puris.’

These offerings were cooked over clay stoves fueled by mango wood, preserving the ancient traditions associated with the festival. After a day of strict purity, devotion, and religious discipline, the fasting devotees partook of the ‘Kharna’ offerings in the evening, marking the beginning of their challenging 36-hour fast.

In many households, special prayers were held in separate and quiet rooms during the Kharna ritual, adhering to the religious customs linked to Chhath.