Chaiti Chhath Commences with Nahay-Khay: Crowds Flock to Ganga Ghats for Ritual Baths

Patna: The auspicious festival of Chaiti Chhath commenced on Friday with the traditional Nahay-Khay rituals, marking the initiation of fervent celebrations along the banks of the revered Ganga in Patna. Amidst an atmosphere charged with spiritual fervor, thousands of devout pilgrims congregated at the ghat, eager to partake in the ceremonial bathing rituals and pay homage to the Sun God.

Navigating through the labyrinth of barricades adorning the ghats, devotees immersed themselves in the purifying waters of the Ganga, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being. The observance of Nahay-Khay, a ritualized bath followed by worship, holds profound significance on this inaugural day of the Chhath festival.

Patna- based priest Acharya Rakesh Jha elucidated the celestial alignments accompanying the commencement of this grand festival, highlighting the auspicious conjunction of Rohini Nakshatra and Ayushman Yoga. Emphasizing the traditional customs intertwined with Vedic wisdom, he underscored the symbolic importance of consuming specific offerings during Nahay-Khay, including bottle gourd vegetable, arva rice, gram dal, and amla syrup. These rituals, steeped in ancient lore, are believed to bestow blessings of progeny and fortify maternal health.

The festival’s allure extends beyond its religious facets, encapsulating familial bonds and communal harmony. Anita Devi, a devout practitioner of Chhath fasting for a quarter-century, reminisced about the familial legacy that ignited her devotion. “Chhathi Mai has fulfilled all my wishes,” she said, reflecting on the profound spiritual fulfillment accompanying her observance.

Echoing sentiments of reverence and unity, Asha Devi emphasized the meticulous adherence to customs and traditions within her household. “On the day of Nahay Khay, pulses, rice, pumpkin vegetable, chutney, and papad are prepared,” she shared, illustrating the meticulous orchestration of rituals that unite families and illuminate homes with joyous radiance.

As the Chhath festival unfolds with each passing day, its essence of piety, tradition, and familial harmony resonates profoundly across the landscape, embodying the cultural tapestry of devotion and celebration.