President Droupadi Murmu Offers Arghya to Setting Sun on Chhath Puja

IN NEWS:
President Droupadi Murmu Offers Arghya to Setting Sun on Chhath Puja

Analysis

1. Event Overview

   • President Droupadi Murmu participated in Chhath Puja celebrations at the President’s Estate, New Delhi.

   • She, along with other devotees, offered Arghya to the setting Sun, symbolizing gratitude and reverence to Surya Dev (the Sun God).

   • On the occasion, the President prayed for the health, prosperity, and well-being of all citizens.

2. Cultural and Social Significance

   • The President’s participation underlines the importance of India’s traditional and regional festivals being celebrated at the national level.

   • It highlights unity in diversity and encourages cultural inclusiveness across the nation.

   • Such observances foster spiritual reflection, environmental awareness, and respect for natural forces central to Indian ethos.

3. Broader Message

   • The act of offering Arghya signifies human coexistence with nature, gratitude for sunlight and water, and prayers for societal welfare.

   • It reflects India’s Vedic traditions, which associate divinity with natural elements and sustainable living.

Static & Conceptual Background

1. About Chhath Puja

   • Chhath Puja is an ancient Vedic festival dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Goddess Usha (the dawn).

   • Primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal’s Terai region, it represents purity, discipline, and devotion.

   • The festival involves strict fasting, ritual bathing, and offering Arghya at sunrise and sunset.

   • Devotees thank the Sun for sustaining life on Earth and seek blessings for health and prosperity.

2. Days and Rituals of Chhath Puja

   (i) Nahay Khay – Day 1

   • The festival begins with Nahay Khay, meaning “bathe and eat.”

   • Devotees take a holy dip in rivers (especially Ganga or local water bodies), clean their homes, and eat pure, vegetarian food prepared without onion or garlic.

   • This marks the spiritual and physical purification before the fast.

   • (ii) Kharna – Day 2

   • On this day, devotees observe a day-long fast without water, breaking it only in the evening after sunset.

   • The Prasad (offering) includes gur (jaggery) kheer, fruits, and chapati, prepared with utmost purity.

   • After this ritual, devotees begin the 36-hour nirjala fast (without water), which continues till the next sunset.

   • (iii) Sandhya Arghya – Day 3

   • Devotees gather at riverbanks or ponds to offer Arghya (water, fruits, and thekua) to the setting Sun.

   • It symbolizes gratitude for life, light, and energy.

   • Families sing traditional Chhath Geet and perform collective prayers.

   • (iv) Usha Arghya – Day 4

   • The final day involves offering Arghya to the rising Sun, symbolizing renewal and hope.

   • After the offering, devotees break their fast (Paran) by consuming Prasad.

   • The ritual signifies completion of purification, balance, and gratitude.

3. Significance of Offering Arghya

   • The Arghya ritual is a gesture of gratitude toward the Sun, acknowledging its role in sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance.

   • Water acts as a medium of offering, reflecting sunlight and symbolizing connection between the devotee and the divine source of energy.

4. Role of the President

   • As the ceremonial head of state, the President’s participation demonstrates respect for India’s pluralistic traditions and reinforces national unity through cultural symbolism.

IN NEWS:

President Droupadi Murmu Offers Arghya to Setting Sun on Chhath Puja

Analysis

1. Event Overview
   • President Droupadi Murmu participated in Chhath Puja celebrations at the President’s Estate, New Delhi.
   • She, along with other devotees, offered Arghya to the setting Sun, symbolizing gratitude and reverence to Surya Dev (the Sun God).
   • On the occasion, the President prayed for the health, prosperity, and well-being of all citizens.
2. Cultural and Social Significance
   • The President’s participation underlines the importance of India’s traditional and regional festivals being celebrated at the national level.
   • It highlights unity in diversity and encourages cultural inclusiveness across the nation.
   • Such observances foster spiritual reflection, environmental awareness, and respect for natural forces central to Indian ethos.
3. Broader Message
   • The act of offering Arghya signifies human coexistence with nature, gratitude for sunlight and water, and prayers for societal welfare.
   • It reflects India’s Vedic traditions, which associate divinity with natural elements and sustainable living.

Static & Conceptual Background

1. About Chhath Puja
   • Chhath Puja is an ancient Vedic festival dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Goddess Usha (the dawn).
   • Primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal’s Terai region, it represents purity, discipline, and devotion.
   • The festival involves strict fasting, ritual bathing, and offering Arghya at sunrise and sunset.
   • Devotees thank the Sun for sustaining life on Earth and seek blessings for health and prosperity.
2. Days and Rituals of Chhath Puja(i) Nahay Khay – Day 1
   • The festival begins with Nahay Khay, meaning “bathe and eat.”
   • Devotees take a holy dip in rivers (especially Ganga or local water bodies), clean their homes, and eat pure, vegetarian food prepared without onion or garlic.
   • This marks the spiritual and physical purification before the fast.
   • (ii) Kharna – Day 2
   • On this day, devotees observe a day-long fast without water, breaking it only in the evening after sunset.
   • The Prasad (offering) includes gur (jaggery) kheer, fruits, and chapati, prepared with utmost purity.
   • After this ritual, devotees begin the 36-hour nirjala fast (without water), which continues till the next sunset.
   • (iii) Sandhya Arghya – Day 3
   • Devotees gather at riverbanks or ponds to offer Arghya (water, fruits, and thekua) to the setting Sun.
   • It symbolizes gratitude for life, light, and energy.
   • Families sing traditional Chhath Geet and perform collective prayers.
   • (iv) Usha Arghya – Day 4
   • The final day involves offering Arghya to the rising Sun, symbolizing renewal and hope.
   • After the offering, devotees break their fast (Paran) by consuming Prasad.
   • The ritual signifies completion of purification, balance, and gratitude.
3. Significance of Offering Arghya
   • The Arghya ritual is a gesture of gratitude toward the Sun, acknowledging its role in sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance.
   • Water acts as a medium of offering, reflecting sunlight and symbolizing connection between the devotee and the divine source of energy.
4. Role of the President
   • As the ceremonial head of state, the President’s participation demonstrates respect for India’s pluralistic traditions and reinforces national unity through cultural symbolism.

Updated - October 27, 2025 8:58 PM | News On Air