Kathmandu-
The Chhath festival has concluded with devotees offering Arghya (ritual offerings) to the rising Sun this morning. With prayers and offerings to Surya Dev (the Sun God) at dawn, the four-day-long festival was observed with full religious devotion and traditional rituals.
Devotees who had observed fasting for the festival presented their final Arghya to the rising Sun today. On the first day of Chhath, participants performed Nahay Khay (a ritual bath and purification), followed by Kharna on the second day. On Monday evening, devotees had offered Arghya to the setting Sun.
Many stayed overnight at riverbanks and ponds, performing prayers and rituals before making the final morning offerings. According to the Surya Purana, the Chhath festival is believed to have been first observed by Anusuya, the wife of sage Atri. It is said that through her devotion, she attained everlasting good fortune and divine blessings, marking the beginning of the Chhath tradition.
In Kathmandu, large numbers of devotees gathered at various sites including Gaurighat, Guhyeshwari, Kupondole, and Balkhu Ghat to perform the ritual offerings to the rising Sun.
According to Namonath Jha, proper management and arrangements were ensured for the celebration in Kathmandu, allowing devotees to worship Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God peacefully and conveniently.