India celebrates Chhath Puja: Leaders and Devotees offer Arghya to Lord Surya on third day

New Delhi [India], November 7 : On the third day of Chhath Puja, devotees from across India performed Sandhya Puja by offering Arghya to Lord Surya.
Political leaders including Nitish Kumar, Lalu Yadav, Atishi, Arvind Kejriwal, Manoj Tiwari, and others gathered by water bodies at sunset, presenting fruits, sweets, and thekua as prasad to Lord Surya, accompanied by hymns and prayers to Chhathi Maiya.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on the occasion of Chhath Puja, wishing for happiness, prosperity, and good fortune for everyone.
"My best wishes to all on the holy occasion of Chhath Sandhya Arghya. May this great festival, a symbol of simplicity, restraint, determination, and dedication, bring happiness, prosperity, and good fortune to all," PM Modi shared on X.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar performed Sandhya Puja at his residence at 1 Aney Marg, Patna.
Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav observed Chhath Puja at Ganga Ghat in Patna. Speaking to ANI, Tejashwi Yadav extended warm wishes to the people of Bihar and the nation. "We wish the people of the state and the country a happy Chhath festival," Yadav said, adding his hopes for happiness, peace, and the progress of Bihar. "A large number of people have gathered. We pray to Chhathi Maiya for peace, progress for Bihar, happiness in everyone's lives, and advancement for both Bihar and the country," he added.
In Bihar, locals gathered at various ghats to offer Arghya to Lord Surya on the third day of Chhath Puja.
In Delhi, CM Atishi also offered prayers to Chhathi Maiya and Lord Bhaskar, seeking prosperity and good health for all Delhi residents.
"I extend my best wishes to all Purvanchali brothers and sisters, and all Delhi residents, on Chhath Puja. Today, Chhath is celebrated with great fervour in Delhi. The Delhi government has built Chhath Ghats across the city," CM Atishi said.
"I have prayed to Chhathi Maiya and Lord Bhaskar for the prosperity and well-being of everyone in Delhi. These Chhath Ghats ensure that our Purvanchali brothers and sisters feel at home," she added.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal extended his wishes for the Chhath festival and highlighted the expanded arrangements for Chhath Puja ghats. He noted that the Delhi government has arranged over 1,000 locations for celebrations this year, compared to only 200-250 sites in previous years.
"May Chhathi Maiya bring immense happiness and blessings. I came to my Vidhan Sabha to worship Chhathi Maiya and joined in the prayers. The Delhi government has organised Chhath Puja at over 1,000 places. Before our government, it was held at only 200-250 locations. For the public's convenience, we've significantly increased the sites across the city, and I am very pleased," he said.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath performed Chhath Puja rituals in Lucknow.
Extending his greetings, he said, "With the blessings of Chhathi Maiya, may there be happiness and prosperity in everyone's life across the state."
Goa CM Pramod Sawant congratulated people on Chhath Puja and mentioned celebrations at Baina Beach.
"All North Indians come together on this occasion at Baina Beach to celebrate #ChhathPuja. The Goa government encourages people to celebrate all festivals. I congratulate everyone on Chhath Puja," he said.
In Chhattisgarh, CM Vishnu Deo Sai participated in Chhath Maha Parva at Mahadev Ghat on the Kharun River, where he performed aarti to Lord Shiva and Ganga Maiyya.
In Kolkata, devotees offered 'Arghya' to the setting sun at Doi Ghat, and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also participated in the rituals.
"All preparations have been made here, with a significant police presence. Many people come here to worship Chhathi Maiya. Best wishes to all on Chhath Puja from the Bengal government and the people of Bengal," she stated.
Devotees in Telangana also celebrated Chhath Puja.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan performed rituals in Sambalpur, Odisha.
BJP National President JP Nadda expressed, "I extend my heartfelt wishes to everyone on #ChhathPuja2024. I pray to Chhathi Maiya for a peaceful and auspicious festival for all."
Today marks the third day of Chhath, when Sandhya Puja is observed, a ritual dedicated to the setting sun. Families gather by water bodies at sunset, offering fruits, sweets, and thekua as prasad to Lord Surya, accompanied by hymns and prayers to Chhathi Maiya.
The Chhath Puja festival began with Nahay-Khay on the Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, a day of purification, followed by Kharna on Panchami Tithi, Chhath Puja on Sashti, and will conclude with Usha Arghya on Saptami Tithi. The celebrations will end on November 8.
Chhath Puja spans four days, involving strict rituals and fasting to express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth.
The festival is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, parts of Nepal, and by diaspora communities from these regions.