JANAKPURDHAM, Nov 1: Chhath, the festival of purity, goodwill and faith, is being celebrated here today with much fanfare and enthusiasm.
The devotees here have been celebrating the Chhath festival around the ponds, lakes and rivers including Gangasagar, Dhanushsagar, Ramsagar, Ratnasagar, Biharkunda, Rukmini Sarobar, Argaza, Maharajsagar and Agnikunda, among others.
The Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God is observed for four days.
Chhath, festival of harmony and coexistence, begins
During the celebrations, devotees avoid non-vegetarian dishes, and other certain kinds of grains and spices such as millet, lentil, buckwheat and garlic. A holy dip into rivers, fasting, abstaining from even drinking water and the maintenance of purity and cleanliness are parts of the rigorous Chhath rituals.
Devotees will offer arghya and pay a special homage to the setting sun on Tuesday evening and it will conclude by worshiping and offering arghya to the rising sun on Wednesday, wishing for prosperity, happiness, wellbeing and long life of the family members. Various delicacies like Thekuwa and rice pudding are prepared and served during the festival. RSS
