In Bihar, the four-day festival of faith, Chhath Mahaparv, will begin today with the ritual of Nahay-Khay. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God, which symbolises the worship of nature and cleanliness. With a pledge to observe the sacred fast, on first day devotees (Vratis) take a holy bath and eat a simple meal of Arwa rice and bottle gourd curry after offering the prayers.

 

 

On the second day of the festival, Kharna ritual will be performed. The devotees begin a 36-hour-long fast without water after consuming the sacred Kharna Prasad. 

 

 

On Monday, offerings (Arghya) will be made to the setting sun at Chhath ghats located on various river or water bodies. On Tuesday devotees will offer Arghya to the rising sun, marking the conclusion of the four-day-long Chhath festival.

 

 

Markets have become lively in preparation for the festival. There is heavy rush of people buying fruits, earthen pots, and other items used in Chhath Puja. Migrant people of Bihar from different parts of the country are coming home to take part in the Chhath Puja celebrations.

 

 

To facilitate the passengers, Indian Railways has started operating a large number of special trains, and various arrangements have been made at stations to manage the rush.