President Droupadi Murmu extended heartfelt greetings to the nation on the occasion of Chhath Puja on Sunday, describing the festival as a profound expression of gratitude toward nature and a call for environmental conservation. In a message posted on X, she highlighted the sacred worship of Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, emphasising the spiritual discipline and ecological awareness inherent in the rituals. “This festival inspires us towards environmental conservation,” she wrote, wishing happiness, prosperity, and harmony for all citizens.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed the sentiment, hailing Chhath as a “Mahaparva” filled with enthusiasm and devotion. He prayed for Chhathi Maiya’s blessings to bring new energy and prosperity, concluding with “Jai Chhathi Maiya!” Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta paid tribute to the devotees’ faith and austerity, particularly those offering arghya while standing in water, calling it a radiant reflection of Sanatan culture. The Indian National Congress also conveyed greetings, praying for peace, happiness, and fulfilment under Chhathi Maiya’s grace.
Observed from October 25 to 28 in 2025, Chhath Puja follows a rigorous four-day schedule: Nahay Khay (ritual bathing and simple meal), Kharna (fasting until evening followed by offerings), Sandhya Arghya (evening prayers to the setting sun), and Usha Arghya (morning prayers to the rising sun).
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Devotees, primarily from Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi’s Purvanchali community, fast without water for up to 36 hours and stand in rivers or artificial water bodies to offer fruits, thekua, and prayers.
The festival’s emphasis on purity, self-discipline, and reverence for the sun as the source of life continues to draw millions in India and the diaspora. Amid growing urbanisation, authorities in Delhi and other cities have set up ghats and ensured clean water bodies to accommodate the growing number of vrattis (observers). Chhath remains a powerful symbol of folk faith, communal harmony, and ecological consciousness in contemporary India.
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