"Gives message of unity, cooperation and collective participation in society": President Murmu extends greetings on Chhath

New Delhi [India], October 26 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday extended greetings on the occasion of the Chhath festival.
The President said Chhath Puja conveys a message of cleanliness, environmental conservation, and social unity, and extended her prayers for the happiness and prosperity of all citizens.
In her message, the President said, "On the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all my fellow citizens. During Chhath Puja, devotees worship and offer Arghya to the Sun. On this festival, we express our gratitude to nature. We worship the rivers and ponds, and pray for the well-being of our families."
"This festival also conveys a message of cleanliness and environment conservation. Chhath Puja also gives the message of unity, cooperation and collective participation in the society. On this sacred occasion, I pray for happiness and prosperity of all citizens," she said.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings on the occasion of Chhath Puja, describing the festival as a reflection of the "deep unity" between culture, nature, and society. He noted that devotees from all sections of society come together at ghats, which he called the "most beautiful" example of India's social harmony.
In the 127th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi said, "All of us celebrated Diwali a few days ago, and now a large number of people are busy with Chhath Puja. Thekuas are being made at homes. Ghats are being decorated. The way women devotees prepare for the Chhath is an inspiration. Mahaparva of Chhath is a reflection of the deep unity between culture, nature, and society. Every section of society comes together at the Chhath ghats. This sight is the most beautiful example of India's social unity."
The Hindu festival of Chhath, which lasts for four days, commenced on Saturday with the first ritual, 'Nahay Khay,' drawing massive crowds at various ghats. Devotees thronged riverbanks to take a holy dip and offer prayers to the Sun God, marking the beginning of the auspicious Chhath Mahaparv.
This year, the festival will be celebrated from October 25 to 28, with rituals including Nahay-Khay on Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, Kharna on Panchami, Chhath Puja on Sashti, and concluding Usha Arghya on Saptami.
On Sunday, the second day of Chhath Puja, known as Kharna, devotees are observing a fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from both food and water. The fast is broken only after making offerings to the Sun God at sunset.
Dedicated to the worship of the Sun god and his sister Chhathi Maiya, the festival emphasises purity, gratitude, and the well-being of one's family. (ANI)