Chhath Puja celebrated at Dhansiri River

Dimapur, November 7 (MExN): Chhath Puja, a significant festival celebrated by the Bhojpuri, Maithili, and other communities from Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, was observed with great devotion and enthusiasm at the banks of the River Dhansiri in Dimapur.

The festival, dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, is a four-day affair symbolizing gratitude for life's blessings, the renewal of hope, and prayers for prosperity and well-being. The Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj (NBS) organized the event with meticulous planning, ensuring the celebration at the Urra Village banks of River Dhansiri was a success. The event brought together local Bhojpuri residents and people from various backgrounds to honor the Sun God and celebrate the cultural significance of Chhath Puja.

The festival began on November 5 with the traditional 'Nahai-Khai' ritual, followed by the 'Kharna' on November 6. The highlight of the celebration was the evening Arghya (offering) to the setting sun on November 7, where devotees offered prayers and presented offerings in knee-deep water. The event attracted a large number of devotees from Dimapur and surrounding areas, with many families actively participating in the rituals and singing traditional Bhojpuri songs.

The Chhath Puja will conclude on November 8, with devotees paying obeisance to the rising sun and breaking their fast.

In a statement, the Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj expressed its gratitude to the Dimapur District Administration and Police for granting permission to organize the puja, as well as for relaxing traffic during the puja hours. Special thanks were also extended to the SDRF team for their presence in the river, ensuring safety, and to the Urra Village Council for their continued support in the successful celebration of the festival.

The NBS also thanked everyone who participated in the celebration, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation and community connection in today’s fast-paced world.