"May Chhathi Maiya keep everyone in good health and spirits": Mamata Banerjee extends Chhath Puja greetings

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 27 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her greetings on the occasion of Chhath Puja, lauding the efforts of volunteers and organisers for ensuring the smooth conduct of the festival in Kolkata.
"Our volunteers and organisers have worked very hard to make Chhath Puja successful. May Chhathi Maiya keep you and your family in good health and in the best spirits. This is a very difficult puja, as those who observe the fast remain without food or water for 36 hours. Our government gives a two-day leave for Chhath Puja. There are many places where adequate water is not available to offer prayers, but we facilitated ponds so that devotees can pray with ease," the Chief Minister said while addressing an event at Takhta Ghat in Kolkata.
She also sang a song composed by her on the occasion.
In a post on X, she wrote, "Heartfelt Chhath Puja wishes to all. May Chhathi Maiya bestow happiness, prosperity, and good health upon everyone. Composed in my words and music, and presented in the voice of Aritra Dasgupta."
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended his greetings on the occasion of Chhath Puja, wishing happiness, prosperity and success to people across the country.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Heartfelt Chhath Puja evening arghya wishes to all my family members across the country. On this sacred occasion, our tradition of offering arghya to the setting sun is very unique."
"May there be welfare for all by the grace of Lord Surya, may everyone attain happiness, prosperity, and success in life. This is the wish. Jai Chhathi Maiya!" he added.
The four-day Chhath Mahaparv, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, began on Saturday with the sacred ritual of Nahay-Khay, followed by Kharna on Sunday, and today marks the Sandhya Arghya (evening arghya).
The festival will end with morning arghya on Tuesday. This year, the festival is being 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 the concluding Usha Arghya on Saptami. (ANI)