Uttarakhand: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami extends Chhath Puja greetings

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], November 5 (ANI): Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of Chhath Puja.
He stated that this festival is a significant time to worship the Sun God and show gratitude to nature. "The festival of Chhath Puja is a great opportunity to worship the Sun God and express gratitude to nature. This festival also reflects the love between nature and man. By worshiping the Sun God, we experience positivity and new energy in every aspect of life," an official release quoting Dhami said.
The Chief Minister underlined that Chhath Puja is important not only for religious reasons but also for promoting culture, unity, and harmony in society. He added, "This festival unites us and inspires us to perform our duties and responsibilities properly." Dhami also wished that Lord Bhaskar and 'Chhathi Maiya' fulfill everyone's wishes.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the people on 'Nahay-Khay' in the Chhath festival. "My best wishes to all the countrymen on the holy occasion of Nahay-Khay today in the festival of Chhath. My special greetings to all the fasting people. I wish that with the blessings of Chhathi Maiya, your rituals are completed successfully," PM Modi said in a post on X.

The four-day Chhath Puja began on Tuesday with Nahay-Khay. Chhath Puja is celebrated in different parts of the country and is a major festival in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Devotees in these states and in the national capital performed puja rituals on Tuesday morning at the Yamuna and Ganga ghats.
Nahay-Khay, which falls on the Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, is about cleansing and preparing for the festival. It is followed by Kharna on Panchami Tithi on day two, Chhath Puja on Sashti, and the festival concludes with Usha Arghya on Saptami Tithi. The festivities will conclude on November 8. Chhath Puja involves strict rituals and fasting to express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth. (ANI)