"Hope this festival brings new energy, strength": Rahul Gandhi extends Chhath Puja greetings

New Delhi [India], November 7 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday extended warm wishes for Chhath Puja, expressing hope that the festival would bring new energy and strength to everyone's lives.
"Heartiest greetings on Chhath Puja, the great festival of sun worship and folk faith. I hope this festival brings new energy and strength in the lives of all of you," Rahul Gandhi said on X.
https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1854370564376269150
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Chhath Puja. "With the blessings of Chhathi Maiya, may there be happiness and prosperity in the life of everyone in the state," he said.
Today marks the third day of the Chhath festival, during which the Sandhya Puja is performed. This ritual is dedicated to the setting sun. At sunset, families gather near a water body to immerse in offerings such as fruits, sweets, and thekua. They present these as prasad to Lord Surya, accompanied by prayers and hymns dedicated to Chhathi Maiya.
The festival begins with Nahay-Khay on the Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, focused on purification and preparation. This is followed by Kharna on Panchami Tithi, Chhath Puja on Sashti, and concludes with Usha Arghya on Saptami Tithi. The festivities will end on November 8.
Chhath Puja festivities span four days. It involves strict rituals and fasting as a way to express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth.
This festival witnesses a high participation rate of women, is marked with fanfare, and is also regarded as an occasion to take a break from household chores and be refreshed.
It is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, as well as by the diaspora from these regions.