Patna : The four-day-long Chaiti Chhath festival commenced today in Bihar with the ritual of Nahai-Khai, where devotees took a holy dip in the Ganga and offered prayers to the Sun God. The ghats witnessed a heavy influx of worshippers early in the morning as they performed the traditional rituals, marking the beginning of this ancient festival of faith and discipline.
The festival, dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God), will continue with Kharna on April 2, followed by the offering of Arghya to the setting sun on April 3, and will conclude with a final Arghya to the rising sun on April 4. Devotees observing the fast immersed themselves in the Ganga, prayed with devotion, and partook in the sacred prasad of kadu-bhat—a dish made with bottle gourd and rice, prepared using satvik ingredients, avoiding onion and garlic.
CM Nitish Kumar Extends Greetings
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar extended his heartfelt greetings to the people on this occasion. “Chhath is a festival of self-discipline and purity, where devotees offer Arghya to the setting and rising Sun with utmost spiritual devotion. May Chaiti Chhath bring happiness, prosperity, and peace to all,” said the Chief Minister in his message.
Rituals Steeped in Tradition and Scientific Belief
Acharya Rakesh Jha highlighted the significance of Nahai-Khai, which falls this year on Chaitra Shukla Chaturthi, coinciding with Bharani Nakshatra and Ravi Yoga—an auspicious alignment of stars. He explained that kadu-bhat, prepared without garlic and onion, has both spiritual and scientific importance. According to Vedic beliefs, consuming this prasad is believed to bless devotees with children. Scientifically, bottle gourd is rich in antioxidants that boost the immune system and promote overall health.
Fasting and Devotion
Following Kharna on April 2, where devotees break their day-long fast in the evening with prasad, they will undertake a rigorous 36-hour nirjala (waterless) fast. On April 3, during Rohini Nakshatra and Ayushman Yoga, Arghya will be offered to the setting sun, while on April 4, the festival will culminate with Arghya offered to the rising sun under Mrigashira Nakshatra, Shobhan Yoga, and Ravi Yoga.
Scientific Significance of Sun Worship
Beyond its religious importance, Chhath Puja is believed to have scientific relevance. Offering water to the Sun at dawn is said to balance the body’s bioelectric energy, strengthening the immune system. The sunlight absorbed during the ritual, based on the principle of the prism effect, enhances the body’s ability to fight diseases and promotes overall well-being.
