Chhath Puja Concludes Across India with Sacred Usha Arghya Ritual: A Nationwide Celebration of Sun Worship

The sacred ritual of 'Usha Arghya' marks the completion of Chhath Puja, symbolizing renewal and thanksgiving.

New Delhi:

Chhath Puja, the four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God, concluded Tuesday with the 'Usha Arghya' ritual at sunrise. Devotees across India gathered to offer prayers to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya, bringing to a close one of Hinduism's most disciplined and spiritually significant celebrations.

During the final 'Usha Arghya' ceremony, which represents new beginnings and gratitude, worshippers stood in water bodies nationwide as dawn broke. With the first rays of sunlight illuminating rivers, ponds, and ghats, devotees immersed themselves while reciting hymns and mantras, seeking divine blessings for wellness, joy, and abundance.

Delhi authorities implemented comprehensive security measures in preparation for the celebrations. The atmosphere at ITO's Hathi Ghat blended tranquility with vibrant energy. Officials established separate areas, deployed medical teams, and installed CCTV cameras to ensure participant safety and efficient event management.

While traditionally observed in Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, Chhath Puja has expanded its reach to metropolitan centers including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and various southern regions of India.

BJP National spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari participated in Delhi's concluding ceremonies, highlighting the festival's growing ability to foster unity.

A Delhi resident shared with IANS, "The arrangements this year are exceptional. Government facilities have improved significantly, and everything is proceeding peacefully. We feel thoroughly satisfied with the organization."

In Patna's AG Colony, hundreds assembled before daybreak with offerings of fruits, sugarcane, and traditional 'thekua' sweets carefully arranged in bamboo baskets.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited and participated in prayers, stating, "Today I feel tremendously blessed. We've just offered prayers to Lord Surya while honoring Chhathi Maiya. The dedication and spiritual energy of those observing the fast truly inspires."

Delhi's Sangam Vihar Ghat resonated with chants of "Jai Chhathi Maiya" as families conducted rituals while standing in waist-deep water.

LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary and Union Minister Chirag Paswan also joined celebrations in Bihar. Paswan remarked, "Chhathi Maiya has bestowed immense happiness upon us without solicitation. In our vision for a developed Bihar, we aspire for joy and prosperity within every household."

Similar devotional scenes unfolded nationwide. In Ayodhya, worshippers began assembling as early as 3 a.m. for the final Arghya. One participant noted, "My mother and sister-in-law are observing the fast today. Watching them worship the rising sun strengthens my faith."

In Varanasi, the Ganges ghats glowed with oil lamps as thousands participated in the Usha Arghya ceremony.

From Rajasthan's Kotputli to Gujarat's Ahmedabad, and from Jharkhand's Ranchi to Odisha's Bhubaneswar, devotees celebrated Chhath Mahaparv's conclusion with extraordinary fervor.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi participated in the rituals and extended his greetings to all devotees.

The festival begins with 'Nahay Khay,' involving a holy bath and preparation of a simple meal. The second day, 'Kharna,' includes a sunrise-to-sunset fast concluded by offerings of sweet porridge (rasiya) and bread. The third day features 'Sandhya Arghya,' initiating the waterless fast (nirjala vrat) that continues until the fourth day's early morning Usha Arghya.