Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav participates in Chhath Puja rituals (Sandhya Arghya) with devotees in Dimapur on November 15.
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 15 (MExN): Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav joined the Nagaland Bihari Samaj in celebrating Chhath Puja (Sandhya Arghya) in Dimapur on November 15. Extending greetings to devotees and members of the Bihari community, the Governor described Chhath Puja as one of the most sacred festivals of Indian culture, dedicated to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya.
He said the festival reflects reverence for nature and recognises the Sun as the source of energy, life and sustenance. Highlighting the significance of Sandhya Arghya, he observed that offering prayers to the setting Sun reminds people to express gratitude for life's blessings while embracing humility, devotion and self-discipline. The tradition of offering prayers to both the setting and rising Sun symbolises gratitude, continuity, hope and the cycle of life, he said.
The Governor noted that the observance of Chhath Puja through fasting, prayer, cleanliness and discipline reflects values of family bonding, collective participation, sacrifice and respect for the natural environment. He also highlighted the festival's message of environmental conservation, stating that rivers, water bodies, forests and other natural resources must be protected through collective efforts.
Appreciating the Nagaland Bihari Samaj for organising the celebration, Yadav said such occasions provide a platform for preserving cultural and religious traditions while strengthening relationships among communities through mutual respect, understanding and goodwill. He said India's strength lies in its unity in diversity, adding that despite differences in festivals, languages and customs, values of faith, compassion, gratitude and mutual respect remain universal. Collective celebrations of cultural traditions, he added, strengthen national integration.
The Governor also encouraged younger generations to remain connected with their cultural roots while contributing to the progress and development of society. He said preserving traditions while embracing modern aspirations was essential for building a harmonious and progressive society. He called upon all to renew their commitment to compassion, social harmony, environmental responsibility and collective progress. He wished that the blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya would bring peace, good health, prosperity and happiness to every household.
