Chhath festival begins formally

Siraha / Nov 18: The Chhath festival which is celebrated with much joy in Madhesh Province has begun formally. Crowds of devotees can be seen for Chhath shopping in the markets of Siraha district.

People have crowded the Indian bordering markets as well as local markets–Siraha bazaar, Kalyanpur, Bhagwanpur, Sukhipur, Lahan, Dhangadhi, Golbazaar, Chiharwa and Mirchaiya for the festival shopping.

A businessman Ranjit Sah of Lahan said the shopping during Tihar and Chhath festivals has raised hope among the businessmen at a time when there is no business due to economic crisis. Businessmen are making the most of Tihar and Chhath than the Dashain festival, he added.

Sah mentioned that the smuggling taking place via the border checkpoints must be curbed to encourage the entrepreneurs in the district.

Marketplaces are full of customers to buy festival paraphernalia such as bamboo items, delicacies and fruits, and new clothes.

All members of the family in Madhesh wear new clothes and eat delicious food during this festival. Nowadays, the Chhath festival is being celebrated not only in Tarai/Madhes, but across the country. People have already started tidying up ponds, rivers and streams and decorating them to celebrate the Chhath festival.

The first day of the four-day Chhath festival is called Araba-Arabain. The second day features Nahay Khay rituals. On the third day, people eat rice pudding and the Chhath festival formally concludes by offering curd to the rising Sun on Monday.

Construction of Chhathi Mai Puja sites at Pashupatinath

Preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in Pashupatinath Temple, with locals and organizations actively participating in decorating water bodies.

Activities such as cleaning, electricity connection, tent setup, construction of Chhath ghats and other preparations are in progress at Pashupatinath.