Jamshedpur: Chhath kicks off with devotees observing ‘Nahay-Khay’ rituals

Jamshedpur: Chhath, one of the most significant festivals in Bihar and Jharkhand, commenced with great fervor on Friday as devotees enthusiastically participated in the ‘Nahay-Khay’ rituals. This annual celebration, dedicated to the Sun God, witnesses people from all walks of life, irrespective of economic status or age, coming together to seek blessings and offer gratitude.

The first day of Chhath is characterized by the ‘Nahay-Khay’ rituals, wherein devotees take a holy dip in rivers and meticulously clean their homes. Vratis, those who observe the rigorous rituals and fast, initiated the proceedings on this day, which will continue until October 31, culminating with the offering of ‘arghya’ to the rising sun.

As part of ‘Nahay-Khay,’ vratis consume a single meal consisting of rice and bottle gourd, symbolizing the beginning of their arduous 36-hour fast. This is followed by the ‘Kharna’ rituals on the second day.

Chhath is renowned as one of the most demanding rituals in Hinduism, with adherents adhering to stringent rules. Women, in particular, embark on a 36-hour fast from the ‘Kharna’ day, leading up to the offering of the first ‘arghya’ on evening (sanjhiya) and concluding with the second ‘arghya’ at sunrise on the following day (bihaniya).

The festival serves as a means to express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth by providing continuous energy conducive to human habitation.

Shanti Devi, a resident of Birsanagar, shared her sentiments, stating, “It is a festival connected with purity, devotion to the Sun God, who is considered the source of life on this earth and is regarded as a wish fulfiller. All the preparations have been done, and we started with having ‘lauki bhaat’ today.”

Vratis expressed satisfaction this year as the costs of fruits and puja essentials remained comparable to the previous year. Despite inflation and price fluctuations, essential items such as bottle gourd, coconut, and sugarcanes maintained reasonable prices, providing a sense of relief to the devotees.

Bikas Ranjan Maity, a vegetable seller at Sakchi market, shared insights into the market dynamics, mentioning, “The supply is good this time, so we need not increase the price. Anything which has good availability in the market is available at a justified cost.”

Simultaneously, the local administration is ensuring last-minute preparations to guarantee the safety of devotees during the festival, emphasizing the importance of a secure and joyous celebration.

Chhath, with its deep-rooted cultural significance, continues to bring communities together, fostering a sense of unity and devotion among its participants. As the festivities unfold, the spirit of Chhath is evident in the collective prayers and rituals observed by devotees in Jamshedpur and beyond.