Chhat, a festival of religious faith and cultural identity, which began on Friday, is being celebrated by offering Argha to the setting sun in the evening today (Sunday).
The four-day-long festival, which is mainly celebrated in the Tarai region, is becoming popular in the Kathmandu Valley, of late.
The sources of water including ponds, rivers, and lakes have been decorated as part of celebrations of the Chhat festival. Kamal Pokhari, Kupandol, Gaurighat, Nag Pokhari, and Gahana Pokhari have been decked like brides.
Devotees take holy baths, offer Argha to the setting sun in the evening today, and observe a fast and stay awake all night. The festival concludes on Monday (Saptami of the Kartik Sukla Paksha according to the lunar calendar) by offering Argha to the rising sun.
The festival which began with 'Nahay Khay on Friday is observed for four days, from Kartik Shukala Chaturthi to Kartik Shukla Saptami as per the lunar calendar.
The second day is called Kharana, Argha is offered to the setting sun on the third day and the Chhat concludes with the offering of Argha to the rising sun on the fourth day.
The Sun considered as the God of energy and of the life force, is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity, and progress. It is widely believed that observing a fast in obeisance of Chhathi goddess will bring desired results and well-being for the family and all of their sorrows and troubles will vanish away.
Meanwhile, the federal government has announced a public holiday today to mark the festival. This year, the festival will conclude on coming Monday with the rising sun.
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(Photos: Saroj Baizu)
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