Union Home Minister Amit Shah Extends Greetings on Chhath Puja

As the four-day festival of Chhath Puja commenced, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah extended his greetings to the people of the country, wishing that the festival bring joy, energy, and prosperity to everyone's lives. Celebrated with simplicity and purity, Chhath Puja highlights devotion, gratitude, and respect for nature, underscoring harmony between humankind and the environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Chhath Puja, a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, began on the same day with devotees observing rituals with deep faith and devotion.
• Devotees take a holy dip in rivers or ponds and consume a simple sattvic meal of arwa chawal (plain rice) and lauki ki sabzi (bottle gourd curry) after offering prayers on the first day.
• Traditional dishes such as chana dal, amla chutney, and papad are prepared and served as prasad (ritual offering), symbolizing the gifts of nature and the devotees' resolve to purify the body, mind, and soul.
• The festival is celebrated widely in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and across Diaspora communities in Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, UAE, and the Netherlands.
• Chhath Mahaparva, one of India's oldest festivals, promotes reverence for nature, sustainability, inclusivity, and community spirit, transcending caste, creed, and religion.

Statistics:

• The festival is celebrated over four days.
• Devotees consume a simple sattvic meal of arwa chawal (plain rice) and lauki ki sabzi (bottle gourd curry) on the first day.
• Traditional dishes such as chana dal, amla chutney, and papad are prepared as prasad (ritual offering).
• Chhath Puja is celebrated in several states including Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal.
• The festival is also observed by Diaspora communities in several countries including Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, UAE, and the Netherlands.

Sources:

• [X post by Union Home Minister Amit Shah]
• [Article on Chhath Puja]