New Delhi, November 7: The third day of the Chhath Puja festival saw a nationwide outpouring of devotion as people gathered to perform Sandhya Arghya, offering prayers and traditional offerings to Lord Surya (the Sun God) at sunset.
Among the worshippers were prominent political leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who conveyed his wishes for prosperity and happiness to all devotees. Chief Ministers and local leaders participated in rituals, underscoring the cultural significance of Chhath across various regions.
In Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav conducted pujas, joining locals at the riverbanks to seek blessings for the state’s prosperity. Tejashwi Yadav expressed hopes for peace and progress for both Bihar and the country.
In Delhi, Chief Minister Atishi celebrated the festival with Purvanchali communities, extending her best wishes to Delhi residents and highlighting the city’s arrangements, with over 1,000 Chhath Ghats established by the AAP government. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal also expressed gratitude for the increased support and facilities for the festival in the capital, noting the expansion from fewer than 250 Ghats to more than 1,000.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted puja rituals in Lucknow, while in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant encouraged community celebrations at Baina Beach, drawing North Indian residents. In Chhattisgarh, CM Vishnu Deo Sai attended the festival at Mahadev Ghat on the Kharun River.
The festival was widely celebrated beyond northern states.
Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday took part in the rituals of ‘Chhath Puja’ here in Odisha. Pradhan offered ‘Sandhya Arghya’ to the setting sun from the bank of the river Mahanadi here on the third day of the Chhath festival this evening.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended puja at Doi Ghat in Kolkata, greeting worshippers and emphasizing state support for the festival.
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival rooted in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, extending its reach to Nepal and diaspora communities. Devotees observe strict rituals, fasting, and offering arghya (water and prasad) to express gratitude to the Sun God, symbolizing sustenance and life. Celebrations continue until the fourth day, concluding with Usha Arghya on November 8.
