Kathmandu – The main day of the Chhath festival is being celebrated across Nepal today, November 15, with devotees preparing to offer prayers and arghya, a ritual offering of water, to the setting Sun.
The festival has brought a festive atmosphere to the Kathmandu Valley and the Mithila region, where families have gathered for traditional worship and preparations. The government has also declared a public holiday to mark the occasion.
Chhath is a four-day Hindu festival observed from Kartik Shukla Chaturthi to Saptami, according to the lunar calendar. Devotees maintain cleanliness, follow dietary restrictions and observe fasting as part of their religious commitments.
On Sunday evening, worshippers will gather along rivers, ponds and other water bodies to offer prayers to the setting Sun. The festival will conclude on Monday morning with offerings to the rising Sun.
The festival has deep roots in Hindu mythology. According to a traditional account associated with the Mahabharata, Draupadi and the five Pandavas worshipped the Sun during their period of concealment while staying in King Virata’s kingdom.
Another religious tradition, associated with the Surya Purana, describes Anusuya, the wife of sage Atri, as an early observer of the Chhath fast. Devotees believe the festival brings blessings, family well-being and prosperity.
Chhath also reflects the importance of the Sun as a source of light, energy and life. Worshippers offer seasonal fruits and traditional foods while praying for the health, happiness and prosperity of their families.
Those unable to observe the demanding fast themselves sometimes arrange for another person to perform the rituals on their behalf. Families and communities participate in preparing offerings and organising worship at riverbanks and ponds.
Although traditionally associated with the Mithila and Madhesh regions, Chhath is now celebrated across different parts of Nepal, bringing communities together through shared faith, devotion and cultural traditions.
