Kathmandu: The main ritual of the four-day Chhath festival is being observed today with worshippers making offerings to the setting sun. The festival, which serves as a significant cultural symbol of the Tarai region, will conclude after participants make offerings to the rising sun tomorrow morning.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Chhath festival is celebrated with religious traditions and fanfare across various regions. This year, festivities were visible in the Madhes province and several hilly districts, including notable locations in Kathmandu Valley such as Ranipokhari, Gaurighat, Kupondole, and Bishnumati.
The festival, dedicated to the sun god, involves making offerings to both the rising and setting sun. Observed over four days, from Kartik Shukala Chaturthi to Kartik Shukla Saptami according to the lunar calendar, it typically falls between October and November in the Gregorian calendar. The sun, regarded as the god of energy and life-force, is worshipped during Chhath to promote well
-being, prosperity, and progress.
The rituals of Chhath Parba include taking a holy bath, fasting, standing and worshipping the sun for extended periods, and offering Prasad and Argha to the rising and setting sun. It is believed that worshipping the sun during Kartik Shukla Paksha can fulfill one’s wishes.