Chhath Puja Day 1: Witnessing Devotees in Nahay Khay Ritual

Devotees across various regions of the country ushered in the four-day Chhath Puja festivities with the traditional Nahay Khay ceremony, a customary ritual that marks the beginning of the revered celebration. Despite the polluted waters of the Yamuna River in Delhi, devotees fervently offered prayers in preparation for the auspicious occasion.

In Patna, the heart of vibrant Chhath Puja celebrations, devotees showcased unwavering enthusiasm as they participated in the time-honored Nahay Khay ritual. Immersing themselves in the holy waters of the Ganga, worshippers set a joyous tone for the upcoming Chhath festivities. The Nahay Khay ceremony holds significant importance, symbolizing purification as devotees take a ceremonial dip and prepare for the elaborate rituals dedicated to worshipping the sun.

The first day of the four-day Chhath Puja festival, commencing on November 17, witnessed devotees in Patna diligently drying wheat as part of the preparations for making prasad, a sacred offering to be presented during the celebrations.

Amidst the vibrant Chhath Puja celebrations in Patna, the Nahay Khay ceremony serves as a prelude to the upcoming rituals, setting the stage for a spiritually enriching and joyous festival. As devotees engage in these sacred practices, they not only uphold traditions but also create an atmosphere of devotion and unity, embodying the true spirit of this celebration.

_{Repurposed article originally published in the Hindustan Times.}