Nepalis Observe Chhath, the Festival of Sun Worship and Purity

The four-day Chhath festival, one of the most significant celebrations in the Madhesi community, is being observed nationwide today with devotion and grandeur.

This evening marks the main ritual, as worshippers gather along riverbanks, ponds, and lakes to offer Argha, holy offerings to the setting sun, expressing gratitude to Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya, the goddess believed to bless devotees with health and prosperity.

What was once a Terai-based tradition has now become a nationwide celebration, with thousands in Kathmandu Valley and other hilly regions joining in. In Janakpurdham, ponds like Ganga Sagar and Dhanus Sagar shine with lights, bamboo arches, and colorful decorations, adding a festive charm to the atmosphere.

Authorities and volunteers are mobilized to maintain order, hygiene, and safety for the large number of devotees.

According to tradition, participants observe a strict fast without food or water for two days, symbolizing purity and self-discipline. The festival concludes tomorrow morning with offerings to the rising sun, marking the end of the rituals and the renewal of faith, harmony, and hope.