"Let us resolve to respect mother nature": President Droupadi Murmu extends her greetings on Chhath puja

New Delhi [India], November 18 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday extended her greetings to fellow citizens on the occasion of Chhath puja and asked them to take resolve to respect mother nature by making 'our water resources and environment pollution-free'.
The President said, "On the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all my fellow citizens. Chhath Puja is a festival dedicated to the worship of Sun God. It is also an opportunity to offer reverence and gratitude to rivers, ponds and other sources of water."
In her message, the President has said, "This festival associated with nature, instills spiritual consciousness and inspires us to work towards conservation of environment. Chhath Puja reminds us to keep our surroundings clean and observe discipline in our daily life".
President Droupadi Murmu said, "Let us resolve to respect mother nature by making our water resources and environment pollution-free. On this auspicious occasion, I pray for the happiness and prosperity of all citizens".
Chhath Puja is being celebrated from November 17-20 this year.
Chhath is performed to seek blessings from the Sun God for a healthy, happy, and prosperous life. It is believed that sunlight has cure for various diseases and conditions. It has a healing effect that can benefit ill people. Taking a dip in the holy river also has certain medicinal benefits. The main purpose of Chhath Puja is to help the Vrattis gain mental purity and mental and physical power. The festival requires maintaining utmost cleanliness.

Chhath Puja is celebrated by people by following different rituals. The first day of Chhath Puja is known as Kaddu Bhaat or Nahai Khai. On this day the parvaitin (the main worshiper who observes fast) cooks the Satvik Kaddu Bhaat along with pulse and serves it as a bhog to the deity in the afternoon. The second day of Chhath Puja is known as Kharana. On this day, the parvaitin cooks roti and rice kheer and serves it as a bhog to the 'Chandradevta' (Moon God). A full day fast without water is observed on the third main day of Chhath Puja. The main ritual of the day is to offer Arghya to the setting Sun. On the fourth and final day of Chhath, Dusri Arghya is given to the rising Sun and it is known as Usha Arghya. The 36 hours long fast is broken after giving Arghya to the Sun.(ANI)