Main day of Chhath Festival celebrated with evening sun worship across Nepal

Today marks the main day of the Chhath festival, a significant celebration dedicated to the Sun God. This evening, devotees will offer prayers and sacred offerings (arghya) to the setting sun. After staying up through the night, they will complete the festival tomorrow morning with prayers and offerings to the rising sun.

In recognition of this important day, the government has declared a public holiday across the country.

The festive spirit is strong in Kathmandu Valley and the Terai-Madhesh districts. In Kathmandu, eight sites have been prepared as Chhath Ghats (sacred sites for Chhath worship) with decorations, cleaning, painting, and security arrangements. These sites include Kamal Pokhari in Ward 1, Gaurighat in Ward 8, Bansighat in Ward 11, Dhaukhel Khola in Ward 13, Kumari Club and Bhubaneshwari Temple in Ward 14, Balaju Baaishdhara in Ward 16, and Koteshwar Dobhan in Ward 32.

In Janakpur, a city known for its religious significance, devotees began gathering early around ponds like Gangasagar, Angaraj Sagar, Dhanush Sagar, Dashrath Talau, and Gordhoi Pokhari with worship materials in hand. The ponds are beautifully decorated for the evening and morning offerings to the setting and rising sun. Similarly, ponds, lakes, and riversides in rural areas have been adorned, and where ponds are unavailable, people decorate wells for Chhath rituals.

This evening, the President, Vice President, and other notable figures are expected to visit Chhath worship sites to offer their respects to the setting sun.

Traditionally celebrated in the Terai, Chhath is now widely observed by people in the hills and even mountainous areas, fostering social unity and harmony across communities. It is believed that performing the Chhath ritual brings blessings, family prosperity, and relief from personal difficulties.