President Draupadi Murmu gave best wishes on Chhath Puja
New Delhi (ANI): President Draupadi Murmu on Saturday greeted fellow citizens on the occasion of Chhath Puja and asked them to take a pledge to respect nature by making ‘our water resources and environment pollution-free’. The President said, “On the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens.
Chhath Puja is a festival dedicated to the worship of Sun God. It is also an opportunity to offer reverence and gratitude.” For rivers, ponds and other sources of water.” The President has said in his message, “This festival related to nature awakens spiritual consciousness and inspires us to work towards environmental protection. Chhath Puja reminds us to keep our surroundings clean and follow discipline in our daily lives.” President Draupadi Murmu said, “Let us pledge to respect Mother Nature by making our water resources and environment pollution free.
On this auspicious occasion, I pray for the happiness and prosperity of all citizens.” This year Chhath Puja is being celebrated from 17-20 November. Chhath is performed to seek blessings from Sun God for a healthy, happy and prosperous life. It is believed that sunlight is a cure for various diseases and conditions. It has therapeutic effects that can benefit sick people. Taking a dip in the holy river also has some medicinal benefits. The main objective of Chhath Puja is to help the devotees attain mental purity and mental and physical strength. There is a need to maintain utmost cleanliness during the festival. People celebrate Chhath Puja by following different customs. The first day of Chhath Puja is known as Kaddu Bhaat or Nahay Khai. On this day the Parvaitin (the main worshiper who observes the fast) cooks Satvik Kaddu Bhaat with lentils and serves it as an offering to the deity in the afternoon.
The second day of Chhath Puja is called Kharna. On this day, Parvaitin prepares roti and rice kheer and serves it as offering to ‘Chandradevta’ (Moon Lord). On the third main day of Chhath Puja, a fast is observed for the whole day without water. The main ritual of this day is to offer Arghya to the setting sun. On the fourth and last day of Chhath, the second Arghya is offered to the rising sun and it is known as Usha Arghya. The 36-hour fast is broken after offering Arghya to the Sun.(ANI)
