PM Modi Invites Chhath Puja Songs as Festival Celebrations Begin Across India

As Chhath Puja festivities commence this Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on citizens to share songs dedicated to the festival, pledging to repost them over the coming days.

Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister said:

“Chhath, the grand festival dedicated to nature and culture, is approaching. Devotees across Bihar and the country are already engaged in preparations with devotion. Songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya further enhance the grandeur and divinity of this sacred occasion. I request you to share songs related to Chhath Puja with me. I will share them with all my countrymen over the next few days.”

The four-day festival, observed from Saturday to October 28, is devoted to worshipping the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, with devotees seeking blessings for prosperity, health, and well-being. Chhath Puja is a prominent Hindu festival in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, and is also celebrated in parts of Nepal and by Indian communities worldwide.

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Rituals of Chhath Puja: Purity, Devotion, and Gratitude

Chhath Puja is known for its strict observances, rooted in ancient traditions dating back to Satyuga and Dwapara Yuga, emphasizing purification, discipline, and harmony with nature. The festival unfolds over four days, each marked by unique rituals:

Day 1 – Nahai Khai: Devotees take a holy dip in rivers or ponds, cleanse themselves, and prepare offerings of vegetables and pulses, underscoring sanctity and purity.

Day 2 – Kharna: Observing a fast from sunrise to sunset, devotees prepare offerings of jaggery, rice, and wheat, breaking their fast in the evening and sharing prasad with family and neighbors, fostering community spirit.

Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya: Evening prayers are offered to the setting Sun near water bodies, with fruits, sugarcane, and prasad presented in gratitude for sustaining life.

Day 4 – Usha Arghya: Devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun, break their fast, and distribute prasad, marking spiritual renewal and the conclusion of the rituals.

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A Celebration of Nature and Humanity

Chhath Puja emphasizes simplicity, devotion, and respect for natural resources. Offerings like fruits, vegetables, and sweets represent nature’s bounty, while fasting and prayers reflect the devotees’ commitment to cleansing body, mind, and soul. The festival’s essence lies in gratitude, celebrating the harmonious relationship between humanity and the environment.

This year, as celebrations begin, PM Modi’s call for sharing Chhath songs highlights the festival’s cultural richness and encourages nationwide participation in the spirit of devotion and community.