Guwahati, 19th November: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma conveyed warm Chhath Puja greetings to the people of the state on November 19. In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), CM Sarma expressed his wishes for a joyous Chhath Puja.
His message, written in Hindi, translated to, “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.”
Chhath Puja is a significant festival dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, the festival involves rigorous fasting, prayers, and offerings to seek the well-being and prosperity of families and children. The observance includes a Satvik diet and strict hygiene practices. The festival falls on the sixth day of the month of Kartik, and devotees offer Argya to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, following Vedic traditions.