Lucknow, Amrit Vichar: The ghats of Gomti river are decorated and ready with pomp for the festival of Chhath. Along with cleaning the river, painting has been done from the walls to the stairs. The ghats are also shining with electric lights. Women and youth remained busy making altars till late evening.
Prabhunath Rai, National President of All India Bhojpuri Samaj, said that the cleanliness of Gomti banks and purity of water is being measured. 90 percent work has been completed. All preparations will be done by late night. The great festival will begin on Saturday with Nahay-Khay. Chhath Mahaparva is not just a religious ritual but a celebration of cosmic energy through the Sun God.
According to astrologer SS Nagpal, offering Arghya to Lord Sun on the festival of Chhath brings blessings of energy, prosperity and protection of children in life.
On the first day of Nahay-Khay on Saturday, devotees will take bath and consume pure Satvik food. On the second day, we will keep a waterless fast on Kharna and in the evening, we will take prasad of jaggery kheer and roti. Arghya will be offered to the setting sun on the third day on 27th October. Sunset time will be at 5:27 pm.
The fast will be completed by offering Arghya to the rising Sun at 6:13 am on the fourth day of October 28. This fast is considered very strict and is observed for the happiness, prosperity of the family and the longevity of the children. Thekua, Malpua, fruits, rice laddus and coconut are offered to Lord Surya.
Faith and experience of devotees
Rupa Goswami, originally a resident of Bihar, lives in Chinhat. She told that she has been worshiping Chhath Maiya for 15 years. Told that my mother-in-law’s wish was fulfilled, since then we have been observing this fast every year. Pushpa Dubey, a native of Patna, told that she has been performing Chhath Puja on Laxman Bank for 8 years.
He told that this festival is celebrated for the well being of both daughter and son. The system here is much better. Anju Karwar from Azamgarh shared her emotional family story. He also sang the hymns of Chhath Maiya on the occasion.
Also read: UP News: On the occasion of Chhath festival, trains going to Purvanchal-Bihar are housefull, prices of plane tickets are touching the sky, bus services are providing great convenience to the passengers.