Patna: The much-anticipated festival of Bihar, Chhath Mahaparv, commenced today with the traditional Nahay-Khay ritual. Devotees across the region marked the beginning of the four-day celebration, culminating in the revered offering of Arghya to the setting sun on November 20.
As part of the age-old tradition, individuals observing Chhath fasting immersed themselves in rivers during the early morning hours. Adorned in new garments symbolizing the Sun, worshippers then partook in the sacred Nahay-Khay custom. Following this, devotees enjoyed Prasad consisting of pumpkin and rice, prepared in a sacred manner using the holy waters of the river.
Rooted in the worship of Sun God, the Chhath festival holds profound significance. The first day, Nahay-Khay, involves ritualistic bathing and a specific dietary regimen prohibiting the use of garlic and onions. Devotees indulge in a feast of gourd vegetable, arva rice, gram dal, amla chutney, papad, tilori, among other dishes, all prepared as prasad.
Notably, the prasad prepared on Nahay-Khay is initially offered to fasting women and men, underscoring its ceremonial importance. Only after this offering do other family members partake in the shared meal. This sacred practice is believed to purify the mind, speech, stomach, and soul.
Women observing the Chhath fast on Nahay-Khay morning engage in a cleansing bath and don new attire before preparing the prasad of pumpkin and rice. The initiation of the Chhath fast follows the consumption of this prasad.
Beyond its religious connotations, the custom of consuming pumpkin and rice during Chhath fasts has persisted for years, aimed at purifying not only the physical but also the spiritual aspects of one’s being. The nutritional benefits of pumpkin, rich in antioxidants, are thought to fortify the immune system, adding a layer of holistic wellness to the spiritual journey of Chhath.
