Hello dear friends,

I hope this Blog finds you in a cheerful mood.

The much-awaited festival of faith, devotion and purity, Chhath Puja, has begun today, Friday, 13 November 2026, with its first ritual, Nahay-Khay.

Across Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and wherever people from these regions reside, the atmosphere is filled with devotion and spiritual enthusiasm.

For me, Chhath is not merely a festival. It is an emotion, a tradition and a collection of unforgettable memories.

❤️Chhath: A Festival Close to My Heart

Being away from my native place during my favourite festival makes me nostalgic. I vividly remember how my friends and I would come together to clean our streets and lanes, ensuring that devotees could walk comfortably towards the ghats prepared near ponds and along the banks of the holy river Ganga.

There was tremendous excitement in those days. Everyone contributed, irrespective of age or status. Some cleaned the roads, others decorated the surroundings, while many helped prepare the ghats.

Unfortunately, unavoidable circumstances have kept me away this year. I deeply miss being part of those activities. Nevertheless, my friends and relatives keep sharing updates and photographs of every ritual over the phone. Though I cannot participate physically, my heart remains connected to the celebrations.

❤️Nahay-Khay: The Beginning of Purity

The four-day festival begins with Nahay-Khay, which literally signifies bathing and eating.

On this day, devotees, known as Vratis, take a holy bath, clean their homes and purify their surroundings. Traditionally, Ganga water is used wherever available.

The food prepared for this occasion is simple, pure and traditionally cooked without onion or garlic. The special menu includes Arwa rice, chana dal, pumpkin (Kaddu) curry and seasonal vegetables. In many households, Agastya flower bachka is also prepared.

There is something extraordinary about this traditional meal. The aroma of freshly cooked rice, pumpkin curry and dal brings back memories that are difficult to describe.

As per tradition, the Vrati eats first, and thereafter the Prasad is shared with other family members and neighbours.

Today, after my sister completed the Nahay-Khay rituals, I bowed to her over the phone and sought her blessings. What a beautiful way of keeping family traditions alive despite physical distance!

❤️Some Lesser-Known Facts About Chhath

Chhath Puja has several fascinating aspects that make it unique among Indian festivals.

1. Worship of both the setting and rising Sun: Unlike many traditions that primarily celebrate the rising Sun, Chhath devotees offer Arghya to both the setting Sun and the rising Sun. It symbolises gratitude for the entire cycle of life and nature.

2. No idol worship: Chhath is primarily dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya through prayers, offerings and rituals. The natural elements themselves become central to the worship.

3. An eco-conscious tradition: Traditional offerings include seasonal fruits, sugarcane, coconuts and bamboo baskets. The festival encourages simplicity and a close relationship with nature.

4. Community participation: Chhath brings people together beyond social and economic differences. Cleaning roads, maintaining ponds and preparing ghats are wonderful examples of collective responsibility.

5. Scientific significance: Sunlight is essential for life, and the festival reminds us of our dependence on the Sun for energy, agriculture and ecological balance. However, its spiritual traditions should not be confused with scientifically proven health treatments.

❤️Markets, Preparations and Festive Excitement

The markets are buzzing with activity. Bamboo soops and dauras, fruits, sugarcane, coconuts and other Puja essentials are in great demand.

The festival also brings traditional artisans into the spotlight. Bamboo craftsmen, fruit sellers, potters and small vendors earn a significant part of their seasonal livelihood during these days.

Prices may rise with increasing demand, but the enthusiasm of devotees remains undiminished.

❤️Celebrating Faith Beyond Distance

Chhath teaches us discipline, patience, cleanliness, gratitude and devotion. It reminds us that faith does not depend upon our physical presence at a particular place.

Although I cannot visit my native place this year, I am celebrating the festival through memories, telephone conversations and the blessings of my loved ones.

The first day has begun. Tomorrow comes Kharna, followed by Sandhya Arghya and finally Usha Arghya, when devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun.

As the celebrations unfold, I will continue sharing my feelings and memories.

“Faith knows no distance, devotion needs no boundaries, and traditions live forever in our hearts.”

May Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev bless everyone with good health, happiness, prosperity and peace.

जय छठी मैया! जय सूर्य देव!

Wishing everyone a blessed and joyous Chhath Puja!

BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE

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