Chhath Puja concluded this morning with the offering of Arghya to the rising sun. The four-day festival celebrated across the country including Mithilanchal, saw devotees pay their respects at reservoirs, rivers, and lakes. Chhath, a grand celebration in the Terai and Madhesh regions, has also gained significant prominence in hilly areas, including Kathmandu. On Friday morning, devotees gathered at Pashupati Guheshwari to offer their final Arghya to bid farewell to this year’s Chhath.
The festival, which symbolizes reverence for the sun and aims to bring family happiness, peace, prosperity, and relief from ailments, saw devotees flocking to various bodies of water. The celebrations began with the Bartalu ritual, where participants offered Arghya to the setting sun.
On Wednesday, the second day of the festival, Kharna was observed. Devotees, known as Bartis, observed a day-long fast and, after worshiping Goddess Shashti, partook in a meal of Arwa Arbain (unsalted rice) in the evening.
The third day, dedicated to Shashti, involved grinding wheat and rice using a traditional okhal or dhiki to prepare various sweets such as Thakuwa, Bhusawa, Khajuria, Perukia, and a variety of fruits and vegetables including radishes, carrots, turmeric seeds, and more. Devotees also offered traditional foods like Kera Nanglo, Konia, and Sarwa, while singing devotional songs and heading to the Chhath Ghat near the reservoir.
On Thursday evening, the Bartis performed the evening Arghya ritual by entering the water, wearing pithar and vermilion on their palms. They offered flowers, Arghya materials, and other offerings as they paid homage to the setting sun during the ritual of Astachalgami Arghya.
