Guwahati, Nov 19: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended heartfelt Chhath Puja greetings to the state’s people on November 19.
Using the platform X (formerly Twitter), CM Sarma conveyed his wishes in Hindi, saying, “Happy Chhath Puja! Today, as we offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting sun, the lively preparations for Chhath Prasad begin. From sugarcane to thekua, dry fruits to fruits, the diversity of items symbolizes the richness of our culture. May this day be filled with spiritual harmony and joy for all.”
छठ पूजा की शुभकामनाएं!
आज, जैसे ही हम डूबते सूर्य को संध्या अर्घ्य देते हैं, छठ प्रसाद की जीवंत तैयारी प्रारंभ हो जाती है।
गन्ने से लेकर ठेकुआ, मेवे से लेकर फलों तक, वस्तुओं की विविधता हमारी संस्कृति की समृद्धि का प्रतीक है।
यह दिन सभी के लिए आध्यात्मिक सद्भाव और आनंद से भरा… pic.twitter.com/vRpasD3I9y
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) November 19, 2023
Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to Lord Surya, the God of energy, and Chhathi Maiya, is celebrated in regions of Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh India, and Nepal.
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Also known as Surya Shashti, Chhath, Chhathi, Chhath Parv, Dala Puja, Pratihar, and Dala Chhath, the festival involves women observing a rigorous fast and offering prayers for the well-being and prosperity of their families and children. Preparations for Chhath begin a day after Diwali, with devotees adhering to a Satvik diet and maintaining utmost hygiene.
The festival falls on the sixth day of the month of Kartik. During the puja, devotees offer Argya to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya, chanting mantras from the Rig Veda texts. It is believed that Vedic era sages performed Chhath Puja, exposing themselves to direct sunlight to gain energy from the sun’s rays.
