PM Modi Extends Heartfelt Greetings on the Auspicious Occasion of Nahay Khaay, Marking the Start of Chhath Puja

New Delhi, October 25 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his warm greetings to devotees across India as they marked Nahay Khaay, the first day of the four-day-long Chhath Puja — one of the most significant and deeply revered festivals in the Hindu tradition. Taking to the social media platform X, the Prime Minister expressed his reverence and admiration for the devotees observing the fast, writing, “The four-day long Chhath festival begins today with the sacred rituals of bathing and eating. My heartfelt greetings to devotees across the country, including Bihar. My salutations and respect to all those observing the fast.” PM Modi emphasized that the Chhath festival stands as a symbol of India’s cultural richness, simplicity, and spiritual discipline. He described it as a celebration that embodies purity and self-restraint, inspiring harmony within families and communities. “This grand festival of our culture symbolizes simplicity and restraint, its purity and adherence to discipline are incomparable. The scenes witnessed at the Chhath Ghats on this sacred occasion offer a wonderful inspiration for family and social harmony. The ancient tradition of Chhath has had a profound impact on our society,” he said. Extending his wishes for prosperity and wellbeing, the Prime Minister prayed that Chhathi Maiya bestow her divine blessings upon everyone. He noted that Chhath, once a regional celebration, has now gained international recognition, uniting Indian families across the globe. “Today, Chhath is celebrated as a major cultural festival in every corner of the world. Indian families living around the world participate wholeheartedly in its traditions. I wish that Chhathi Maiya bestows her bountiful blessings on everyone,” he remarked. PM Modi further reflected on the festival’s spiritual and ecological significance, describing it as a “unique confluence of faith, worship, and love for nature.” He highlighted how devotees offer prayers to both the setting and rising Sun, acknowledging the deep connection between human life and the environment. “The offerings incorporate the diverse colours of nature. The songs and melodies of Chhath Puja are also imbued with a unique sense of devotion and love for nature,” he observed. The Prime Minister also recalled his recent visit to Begusarai in Bihar, where he remembered the late Sharda Sinha, fondly known as the Nightingale of Bihar, who passed away during last year’s Chhath festival. “I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Begusarai just yesterday. Sharda Sinha and many other folk artists from Bihar have added a unique touch to the Chhath festival through their songs,” he said while sharing one of her devotional tracks dedicated to Chhathi Maiya. On Nahay Khaay, devotees, known as Vratis, take a holy dip in rivers or ponds and consume a simple sattvic meal of arwa chawal (plain rice) and lauki ki sabzi (bottle gourd curry) after prayers. Other traditional dishes like chana dal, amla chutney, and papad are prepared and later offered as prasad. Across the country, large gatherings are expected at riverbanks and ghats, where thousands of devotees will participate with deep faith and devotion. Celebrated with simplicity, purity, and dedication, Chhath Puja symbolizes gratitude towards nature and the Sun God. The rituals — including fasting, offering prayers, and presenting natural produce — reflect the devotees’ desire for purification of body, mind, and soul, reinforcing harmony between humanity and the environment. Also known as Pratihar Shashthi, the festival continues to illuminate India’s cultural and spiritual landscape. PM Modi Extends Heartfelt Greetings on the Auspicious Occasion of Nahay Khaay, Marking the Start of Chhath Puja New Delhi, October 25 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his warm greetings to devotees across India as they marked Nahay Khaay, the first day of the four-day-long Chhath Puja — one of the most significant and deeply revered festivals in the Hindu tradition. Taking to the social media platform X, the Prime Minister expressed his reverence and admiration for the devotees observing the fast, writing, “The four-day long Chhath festival begins today with the sacred rituals of bathing and eating. My heartfelt greetings to devotees across the country, including Bihar. My salutations and respect to all those observing the fast.” PM Modi emphasized that the Chhath festival stands as a symbol of India’s cultural richness, simplicity, and spiritual discipline. He described it as a celebration that embodies purity and self-restraint, inspiring harmony within families and communities. “This grand festival of our culture symbolizes simplicity and restraint, its purity and adherence to discipline are incomparable. The scenes witnessed at the Chhath Ghats on this sacred occasion offer a wonderful inspiration for family and social harmony. The ancient tradition of Chhath has had a profound impact on our society,” he said. Extending his wishes for prosperity and wellbeing, the Prime Minister prayed that Chhathi Maiya bestow her divine blessings upon everyone. He noted that Chhath, once a regional celebration, has now gained international recognition, uniting Indian families across the globe. “Today, Chhath is celebrated as a major cultural festival in every corner of the world. Indian families living around the world participate wholeheartedly in its traditions. I wish that Chhathi Maiya bestows her bountiful blessings on everyone,” he remarked. PM Modi further reflected on the festival’s spiritual and ecological significance, describing it as a “unique confluence of faith, worship, and love for nature.” He highlighted how devotees offer prayers to both the setting and rising Sun, acknowledging the deep connection between human life and the environment. “The offerings incorporate the diverse colours of nature. The songs and melodies of Chhath Puja are also imbued with a unique sense of devotion and love for nature,” he observed. The Prime Minister also recalled his recent visit to Begusarai in Bihar, where he remembered the late Sharda Sinha, fondly known as the Nightingale of Bihar, who passed away during last year’s Chhath festival. “I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Begusarai just yesterday. Sharda Sinha and many other folk artists from Bihar have added a unique touch to the Chhath festival through their songs,” he said while sharing one of her devotional tracks dedicated to Chhathi Maiya. On Nahay Khaay, devotees, known as Vratis, take a holy dip in rivers or ponds and consume a simple sattvic meal of arwa chawal (plain rice) and lauki ki sabzi (bottle gourd curry) after prayers. Other traditional dishes like chana dal, amla chutney, and papad are prepared and later offered as prasad. Across the country, large gatherings are expected at riverbanks and ghats, where thousands of devotees will participate with deep faith and devotion. Celebrated with simplicity, purity, and dedication, Chhath Puja symbolizes gratitude towards nature and the Sun God. The rituals — including fasting, offering prayers, and presenting natural produce — reflect the devotees’ desire for purification of body, mind, and soul, reinforcing harmony between humanity and the environment. Also known as Pratihar Shashthi, the festival continues to illuminate India’s cultural and spiritual landscape.