The federal government has announced a public holiday on Monday, the main day of the Chhath festival, while the Madhesh provincial government has declared a holiday across the province on Tuesday as well.
The four-day festival of Chhath has begun in earnest from today. The first day of Chhath is called 'Nahaya-Khaye'. It is a tradition for devotees to take a bath in the morning and eat food in a clean kitchen.
Tomorrow, Sunday, is the second day of fasting and the 'Kharna' ritual is performed in the evening. During this, kheer prepared from milk, rice and jaggery is offered to the deity and then consumed by the devotees.
On the third day of Chhath, on Monday evening, the main puja is performed, in which Argha is offered to the setting sun. For Argha, thekuwa, bhuswa, banana ghari, clay pots, soup, kalash and other agricultural food dishes are offered to the sun god.
On the last day of the festival, on Tuesday morning, Chhath concludes by offering Argha to the rising sun.
On the occasion of Chhath, the Union government has declared a public holiday on Monday, while the Madhesh provincial government has declared a holiday for the entire province on the following day, Tuesday.
The ponds and reservoirs of Janakpurdham have been decorated. Local residents, devotees and committees have completed preparations for Chhath by decorating pandals and flashing lights.
