In the midst of Chhath Puja celebrations at Kalindi Kunj in Delhi on Monday morning, devotees offered ‘Araghya’ to the rising sun despite the presence of toxic foam floating on the surface of the polluted Yamuna River. The toxic foam, attributed to the high phosphate content in the river, poses risks of skin and respiratory problems.
Across the country, devotees concluded the four-day-long Chhath Puja festival on Monday morning by offering ‘Araghya’ and breaking their 36-hour fast. In Ranchi, Jharkhand, devotees performed rituals, offering prayers to the sun while standing in knee-deep water.
The festival, known for its significance in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bengal, celebrates purity, goodwill, and faith. Devotees worship and make offerings to the setting and rising sun, praying for the long lives and well-being of their family members and the fulfillment of their expectations.
Chhath Puja, celebrated with enthusiasm in the national capital, where a significant population from the aforementioned states resides, involves fasting and sun worship. The tradition is believed to have originated in the hilly regions of Nepal after the restoration of democracy in 1990.
During the festival, only pure foods are consumed, and cleanliness is given utmost importance. Women actively participate in the festivities, and the occasion serves as a break from routine household chores, providing a refreshing experience for participants.
