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Nepal's Chhath Festival: Markets Abuzz as Devotees Make Final Purchases

Markets in Nepal's Birgunj city are bustling with thousands of shoppers making final purchases for the Chhath festival. The four-day Hindu celebration has entered its second day known as Kharna, where devotees observe strict fasting. Shoppers are buying essential ritual items including sugarcane, apples, and special rice grains required for the evening offerings. The festival emphasizes purity and gratitude while dedicated to worshipping the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

Key Points: Birgunj Markets Crowded as Chhath Festival Preparations Peak

  • Four-day Chhath festival began with Nahay Khay ritual on Saturday
  • Devotees observe strict fast from sunrise to sunset on Kharna day
  • Markets flooded with shoppers buying sugarcane and ritual fruits
  • Festival dedicated to Sun God and Chhathi Maiya emphasizes purity
  • Celebrations continue from October 25-28 with specific daily rituals
2 min read

Markets in Nepal abuzz as devotees prepare for Chhath festival

Thousands throng Birgunj markets for final Chhath festival purchases as four-day Hindu celebration enters Kharna phase with fasting and evening rituals.

"I am here at the Birgunj linkroad making last minute purchase for the Chhath- today it's Kharna - Aman Srivastav"

By Binod Prasad Adhikari, Birgunj, October 26

Thousands of shoppers continue to throng the main marketplace in the city of Birgunj near the Indian city of Raxaul as preparations for Chhath enters final phase for the devotees.

The Hindu festival of Chhath that last for four-days commenced on Saturday with the first ritual, 'Nahay Khay,' drawing massive crowds at various ghats. Devotees thronged riverbanks to take a holy dip and offer prayers to the Sun God, marking the beginning of the auspicious Chhath Mahaparv.

On Sunday, the second day of Chhath Puja, known as Kharna, devotees are observing a fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from both food and water. The fast is broken only after making offerings to the Sun God at sunset.

Dedicated to the worship of the Sun god and his sister Chhathi Maiya, the festival emphasises purity, gratitude, and the well-being of one's family.

"I am here at the Birgunj linkroad making last minute purchase for the Chhath- today it's Kharna. We perform rituals in the evening (at home), I have purchased the essentials for the rituals- it consists the sugarcane and other varieties of fruits in the market," Aman Srivastav, a shopper from the city of Birgunj in Nepal told ANI.

The four-day Chhath Mahaparv, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, begins with the sacred ritual of Nahay-Khay. This year, the festival will be celebrated from October 25 to 28, with rituals including Nahay-Khay on Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, Kharna on Panchami, Chhath Puja on Sashti, and concluding Usha Arghya on Saptami.

"For the rituals we need sugarcane, apples, oranges, special rice grains and other varieties of fruits which are pre-requisite for this festival as it is said that Chhati Maiya demands it all. We have been celebrating this biggest festival with grandeur and fervor by the Hindu devotees," Deepak Srivastav, another devotee told ANI.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Chhath Puja is celebrated with equal enthusiasm in Bihar and Eastern UP too! The markets here in Patna are equally crowded with people buying sugarcane, fruits, and other puja essentials. The devotion is truly inspiring!
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Delhi, I've seen how beautifully this festival brings communities together. The ghats along Yamuna are filled with devotees. It's heartwarming to see the same spirit in Nepal!
A
Arjun K
The rigorous fasting and rituals show incredible dedication. My mother has been observing Chhath for 25 years now. The spiritual significance of thanking the Sun God for sustaining life is profound.
M
Michael C
While the festival spirit is wonderful, I hope the authorities are managing the crowds properly and ensuring safety measures at the ghats. Last year there were some unfortunate incidents during the celebrations.
N
Nisha Z
The economic boost to local markets during Chhath is massive! From sugarcane farmers to fruit vendors, everyone benefits. It's wonderful how traditions support local economies on both sides of the border 🌞

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